GOVERNMENT security forces and Muslim rebels joined forces and nabbed 13 henchmen of the notorious “Masgal drug group” in a sustained week-long collaboration in Midsayap, North Cotabato, an official statement released Saturday by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) said.
But Director Carlos Sol Jr. of the combined secretariat of the government and MILF Coordinating Council on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG), said the drug group leader Samad Masgal alias Commander Madrox eluded arrest.
The AHJAG, a mechanism which seeks to isolate and interdict lawless elements that take refuge in or near MILF communities, was initially formed during the May 2002 Joint Communique between the government and the MILF in Cyberjaya, Malaysia.
Involved in the week-long operations starting Oct. 5 were the Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade and joined by leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
Security authorities said those captured had been turned over to police for detention and filing of criminal charges.
“We’ve seen in the last week the determination of the MILF and the government forces to enforce the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte to launch an all-out campaign against illegal drugs and criminality,” Sol said.
“We can see now people responsible for the criminality and the proliferation of illegal drugs especially methamphetamine in the areas of operation,” Sol added.
A similar operation was conducted last August by the AFP and the MILF against the group of Samad Masgal, alias Commander Madrox, which resulted in the death of four of his followers while three from the Philippine army were killed in action.
The government and the MILF earlier signed in July the Agreement of Cooperation and Coordination in the Campaign against Illegal Drugs in MILF-controlled areas.
The agreement allows for “information exchange/sharing which includes, but not limited to, the submission of the MILF of a list of drug personalities identified in its area subject to validation of the law enforcement agencies” as well as to allow the MILF to “conduct information drive on the ill-effects of illegal drugs in the MILF affected areas as part of its demand reduction activities” among others.
“I would like to commend this new administration for its strong commitment to end illegal drugs in our country. I would also like to express my gratitude to those who have been part of the operation which includes the operating troops and coordinating body,” MILF leader Gordon Sayfulah said.
The 13 arrested were: Ali Masgal Buat; Guiamalodin Kalay Palakad; Guiama Milikano; Mandag Mamalinta; Nandi Pagao; Taokie Habip Lumilis; Kenny Gumbila Dima; Ronnie Ferrer Catulogn; Morem Masgal Milicano;
Omar Masgal Angking; Sari Alim Lumilis; Mantoa Amal Gombila and Tiyabong Mamalinta. Madrox, himself, remains at large.
Also recovered during the operation were two grenade launchers; two M16 rifles; an M14 rifle; a homemade shotgun; a .30-caliber Garan rifle; a homemade .50-caliber sniper rifle; one rocket propelled grenade launcher ammunition; and two fragmention grenades alongside a handful of short firearms.
Several shabu-containing heat-sealed sachet packs as well as other drug paraphernalia were also recovered during the operation.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., 6th Infantry Division commander, said the successful law enforcement operation also served as “another building block toward reaching a permanent peace with the Moro rebel groups.”
He said: “Let us guard the opportunities we have at hand…if we can continuously work with the same enthusiasm and commitment, we can finally put an end to the decades- or centuries-long conflicts that have been happening. Now is the time for us to unite and fight together this drug problem,” he said.
