Sulu gang busted, firearms cache seized

ZAMBOANGA CITY/COTABATO CITY — Military and police operatives busted a notorious gang early yesterday morning with the arrest of its leader, the killing of his close-in aide, and the seizure of a firearms cache in Omar, Sulu.

Armed Forces of the PhilippinesWestern Mindanao Command (AFPWestMinCom) Commander Maj Gen Carlito G. Galvez Jr., said yesterday the joint police and military operation was serving a warrant of arrest to Saudi Kahal Hamja at his residence at Barangay Kappual in Omar town, Sulu when Hamja and about 20 of his followers opened fire at the raiding team at about 5:08 a.m. yesterday.

Galvez said the exchange of gunfire ensued resulting in the arrest of Hamja, the death of one of his aides, and wounding of a civilian who was immediately rushed by the troops to Luuk District Hospital for medical treatment. No casualty was reported on the government side.

Hamja has a standing warrant of arrest (WOA) for arson and attempted murder.

Among the firearms and crew-served weapons that were seized by the police and military at Hamja’s residence were one Cal .50 Machine Gun; one 60mm Mortar; seven M14; five Garand rifles; eight M16A1 rifles; four M653; two M79 Grenade Launchers; one AK47 Kalashnikov rifle; one FALN; three caliber .30 Carbine; two M79 and one cal .22 rifle.

Galvez said the raid was carried out by Task Group Panther under Major Causing and personnel of the Omar Municipal Police Station under Police Inspector Wanawan.

“Our troops on the ground continue to intensify the conduct of focused military operations in Sulu and adhere to the rules of engagement to contain lawless groups and pre-empt the conduct of atrocities in the province,” Galvez said.