Two male individuals were killed following a shootout with soldiers at a checkpoint in Barangay Old Maganoy, Datu Abdullah Sangki, Maguindanao del Sur, Tuesday morning.
According to Lieutenant Col. Udgie Villan, Commanding Officer of the 33rd Infantry Battalion, the Maganoy Detachment personnel were alerted when a suspicious white minivan with plate number MAN 1169 was observed hesitating to cross the checkpoint.
The armed occupants of the minivan suddenly opened fire at the soldiers while attempting to flee, prompting the troops to retaliate.
“There was an encounter, and our troops discovered an M16 rifle and a .45 caliber pistol inside the suspects’ vehicle, which they used to fire at the checkpoint personnel,” said Villan.
Brigadier Gen. Edgar Catu, Commander of the 601st Brigade, immediately ordered the reinforcement of intensified checkpoint operations following the incident to prevent the entry of armed individuals.
“The swift response of our troops demonstrates our continued dedication to maintaining peace and order in the region, especially with just over a month left before the elections,” Catu said.
Major Gen. Donald Gumiran, Commander of the Joint Task Force Central and the 6th Infantry Division, emphasized the critical role of soldiers in strictly enforcing security measures, particularly through checkpoint operations, to ensure peace and order in the region.
“We continue to strengthen military operations in partnership with the police and other security forces to maintain security and ensure the safety of every citizen across Central and South Central Mindanao. Through thorough patrols and strict implementation of checkpoints, we aim to prevent any threats to peace and avoid incidents that could cause fear in our communities,” said Gumiran.