10 bandits killed in clash with soldiers in S. Kudarat

Ten members of a lawless group were killed while eight others were wounded in a fierce clash with soldiers in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat the other day, the military said.

Lieutenant Colonel Harold

Cabunoc, commander of the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion (33IB), said the fierce clash took place in Sitio Mantisao, Barangay Bual, at 6:30 a.m. Thursday.

Cabunoc said his men and the local police were serving a search warrant when they were fired upon by heavily-armed men, triggering a heavy exchange of fire.

A certain “Commander Dimas,” alias “Dragon,” was the subject of the search warrant issued by the court.

“The bandits were occupying fortified positions with machinegun emplacements and running trenches. They were ready to confront the security forces,” Cabunoc said.

Cabunoc said the troops captured a bandit named Abdul Magid Logioman, alias “Black Moro,” 41, and seized an M653 rifle.

Sergeant David Desidario of the Division Recon Company was injured but was promptly treated by the Army medics. He has been declared out of danger by attending physicians at a local hospital.

The local residents of Barangay Chua in Bagumbayan town had earlier filed a resolution requesting law enforcement operations against the lawless elements who have long been threatening local residents.

Cabunoc said the local bandits are said to be involved in extortion activities and illegal mining.

Follow-up operations are being conducted against the group, he added.