DAVAO CITY –— Five armed men who are believed to be members of a private armed group were killed and various high-powered weapons and explosives were recovered when they resisted arrest and exchanged gunfire with law enforcement officers on Wednesday, April 12, in Tulunan town, Cotabato Province.
The Tuluinan police in a report said, troops from Tulunan Municipal Police Station; Provincial Intelligence Unit, and 1st Cotabato Provincial Mobile Force Company, and PNP SAF figured in a firefight where the suspects were killed.
The combined police operation served a search warrant in the residence of Danny Lamalan Cabakungan in Sitio Pedtad, Purok 5, Brgy. Dungos, Tulunan, Cotabato Province.
Cabakungan, a.k.a. “Commander Magnetic,” was known to be the leader of a lawless armed group operating in the Municipality of Tulunan and neighboring areas.
Cabakungan’s residence was subject to search and seizure by virtue of Search Warrant No. 609-2023 for Violation of RA 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) issued by Hon. Arvin Sadiri Balgot, Presiding Judge of RTC, Branch 17, Kidapawan City dated April 3, 2023.
PBGen Jimili Macaraeg, PRO-12 Regional Director said that the police engaged the group of Cabakungan when they opened fire at the raiding team.
“A firefight ensued for more or less 30 minutes, and as a result, Cabakungan and his four cohorts sustained gunshot wounds while two others were arrested,” Macaraeg said.
The wounded suspects were brought by PNP personnel to Fr. Tulio Fabali Hospital for medical treatment but were declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
Recovered from the suspects were one unit of improvised Baret sniper rifle with scope; two units of caliber 30 M1 converted to 7.62mm; one unit M16A1 rifle; one unit of caliber .45 Caspian with one magazine and four live ammunition; one unit of improvised grenade launcher; three pieces of 40mm high explosives; two pieces of PRB 423 fragmentation hand grenades; assorted Magazines with live ammunition; two handheld radios; ten assorted bandoliers; one unit Android smartphone and two keypad cellphones; and two small heat-sealed sachets containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu.
“PRO 12 remains steadfast in our campaign against loose firearms. This timely accomplishment adds up to our goal of building a safer and more secure Region 12. As such, I commend the different units involved in this successful law enforcement operation,” Macaraeg said.
