Security, MILF forces join hunt for drug gangs

NORTH COTABATO – The Philippine military said it is closely working with the former rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front in the government’s anti-drug campaign in Mindanao.

Just last week, the military and police presented assorted weapons seized by security and rebel forces from a drug gang in North Cotabato and Maguindanao provinces in the restive southern region of Mindanao.

Military officials said members of the former rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front joined the anti-drug operations last week that resulted to the arrest of 13 gang members under Samad Masgal, a notorious drug dealer.

Major General Carlito Galvez, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, led the presentation of the weapons at the headquarters of the 602nd Infantry Brigade in North Cotabato;s Carmen town.

He was joined by Colonel Manolo Samarita, the brigade commander; Senior Superintendent Emmanuel Peralta, the provincial police chief; and Lyndon Apacio, regional director of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

Those arrested were not presented to journalists, but Galvez identified them as Ali Masgal Buat, Guiamalodin Palakad, Guiama Milikano, Mandag Mamalinta, Nandi Pagao, Taokie Lumilis, Kenny Dima, Ronnie Catulong, Morem Milicano, Omar Angking, Sari Lumilis, Mantoa Gombila and Tiyabong Mamalinta.

Galvez said the gang leader was also tagged as behind deadly attacks on soldiers in the provinces.

(Mindanao Examiner Photo – Rhoderick Beñez) Seized weapons from a drug gang in Mindanao presented by the Philippine Army.