Drug suspect killed, soldier wounded in Lanao Norte firefight
Credit to Author: The Manila Times| Date: Thu, 04 Apr 2019 08:26:50 +0000
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Security forces killed a suspected drug personality in a firefight that left one soldier wounded in Lanao del Norte province in southern Philippines, an Army spokesman said Thursday.
Capt. Clint Antipala, of the 1st Infantry Division, said Samolabao Tumog, a former village chieftain, died on Wednesday fighting in Nunungan town where policemen, backed by soldiers, were trying to serve a warrant to search his house following intelligence reports he was keeping illegal weapons and explosives.
Tumog opened fire on security forces with his automatic rifle and hitting a soldier. The former politician, who was also accused as drug pusher, was eventually killed.
“Government troops were about to serve the search warrant when Tumog immediately fired his M-16 automatic rifle that resulted into the wounding of one army soldier,” he said.
Antipala, quoting a report from Lt. Col. Rolando Orengo, commander of the 5th Mechanized Infantry Battalion, said the operation was launched after authorities arrested three suspected drug pushers Jalal Diambarang Tumog, Pano Tumog and Hami who pointed to Tumog as the alleged source of shabu in the town.
“Samolabao Tumog was neutralized in a follow-up operation after the apprehension of the three drug suspects”, said Orengo, adding, soldiers recovered Tumog’s M-16 rifle and two rifle grenades, including a hand grenade, magazines and ammunition.
Brig. Gen. Ezra James Enriquez, commander of the 2nd Mechanized Brigade, said the killing of Tumog would significantly reduce criminalities in Lanao del Norte.
Brig. Gen. Roberto Ancan, commander of the 1st Infantry Division, also, lauded the efforts of soldiers and policemen, saying: “Our joint law enforcement operation with other government forces is relentless in order to protect our people from lawless elements and sustain the peace and development in our area of responsibility.” AL JACINTO
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