High-powered guns seized, kidnapper falls in Basilan

MANILA, Philippines - Nine high-powered firearms and several war materiel were seized and a certain Adduk Salim was apprehended by the Army’s 4th Special Forces (Riverine) Battalion under Maj. Jose Laplap Jr. in a combat operation on Sibago Island in Muhammad Ajul, Basilan last Dec. 11.

The troops recovered five M-16 rifles, three Garand rifles, an M-14 rifle, five bandoleers, assorted magazines, four VHF base radios, and a 20-footer speedboat, which was reportedly being utilized for piracy, kidnapping and other illegal activities in the area.

Salim was arrested based on a warrant for kidnapping.

Reports said the troops swiftly infiltrated the area on board Special Forces Operators’ “Condor” speedboats without a firefight. 

The recovered war materiel and Salim were formally presented by Special Operations commander Maj. Gen. Roberto Morales to Army chief Lt. Gen. Arturo Ortiz during the latter’s command visit to Basilan last Dec. 13.

Recently, the Army launched 13 watercraft – 12 scout boats and one support boat (pumpboat) – as part of Ortiz’s impact project for the Army under the Watercraft Project “Condor” in response to the Armed Forces’ requirement and the prevailing security situation in Mindanao, particularly in Basilan. 

The SF Regiment (Airborne), particularly the 4th SF Battalion (Riverine), is given extended tasks of securing the island and controlling the CAFGU Active Auxiliary and SCA units in the province. 

With the cooperation and support of the civilian populace, local government units, and other government agencies, the Special Forces gave assurance that peace and order in Basilan will continue to improve.