Sarangani police in massive move vs loose firearms

KORONADAL CITY — Police authorities in Sarangani have intensified their operation against loose firearms following the recent reported ambush of the three employees of a banana firm operating in Malungon town.

Supt. Efren Valeriano, Sarangani police director, said he already issued directives to all the chiefs of police, especially in Malungon town, to double their efforts in monitoring those persons, suspected to be carrying unlicensed firearms.

Valeriano issued the directives after three banana workers were ambushed by unidentified persons in the remote part of Malungon a few days ago while on their way home from the banana plantation.

The victims were identified as Ryan Amid, Fiel Bibaoco and Marlowe Pajinago, all residents of Bgy. Atlai of the said town. They all survived the attack but still under medication at a hospital in nearby General Santos City.

"Pauwi na sila sa kanilang mga bahay sakay ng isang skylab motorcycle ng pagbabarilin sila ng mga hindi nakikilalang mga armadong tao sa Crossing Kiblat," Valeriano told The STAR in a cellular phone interview.

Reports said the victims suffered multiple gunshot wounds on the different parts of their bodies. Cops recovered several empty shells of M-14 and M-16 rifles from the crime scene.

Valeriano said the Malungon police station is still conducting a thorough investigation as to identify the suspects.