Armed group leader, pal arrested; 14 guns seized in Sarangani

Luis Lañelyn Malila, alias Commander Lo (seated) watch police officers account the firearms seized from him during law enforcement operations in Malungon, Sarangani. (Photo by Police Regional Office 12)

KORONADAL CITY –– Police authorities in the Soccsksargen region announced today the arrest of two wanted men and the seizure of 14 high-powered guns during law enforcement operations in Malungon, Sarangani on Friday.

Brig. Gen. Alfred Corpus, regional police director, identified the suspects as Luis Lañelyn Malila alias “Commander Lo,” and Tornica Masday Malila.

Both are farmers and residents of Sitio Datal Lutay, Barangay B’laan, Malungon town in Sarangani province.

On Friday, members of the regional police and the Army’s 73rd Infantry Battalion simultaneously raided several houses in Sitio Datal Lutay to implement five search warrants issued by a local court.

The two and eight others were facing charges for illegal possession of firearms. The seized firearms included 12 gauge shotguns, two Garand rifles, and various ammunition.

Corpus said Commander Lo is Malungon’s most wanted, facing four counts of murder.

He added that Commander Lo heads an armed group operating in the quad boundaries of Tampakan, South Cotabato; Colombio, Sultan Kudarat; Malungon, Sarangani, and Davao del Sur.

“His group was responsible for atrocities within this area including cattle rustling and cultivation of marijuana,” Corpus added.

The two suspects are now detained at Malungon custodial facility. /lzb