GOVERNMENT troops arrested four members of a group involved in kidnapping-for-ransom and other crimes during a law enforcement operation in Malangas, Zamboanga Sibugay on Tuesday, it was reported yesterday.
The Zamboanga City-based AFP Western Mindanao Command identified the four as Usman Esmail Balimbingan, Toto Lawadin Balimbingan, Mujahid Sensi Balimbingan, and Alih Sensi Balimbingan.
Wesmincom commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan said the four are members of the Balimbingan Group, a syndicate involved in kidnapping-for-ransom, piracy, extortion, gun running, and illegal drug trade in Zamboanga Peninsula.
Vinluan said the four were arrested by joint personnel from the AFP, PNP and Philippine Coast Guard at around 5 a.m. in Barangay Tigabon by virtue of search warrants issued by Zamboanga Sibugay court.
Recovered from the suspects’ possession were an M16 rifle, a KG9-Sub Machine Gun, and four pistols.
They are under the custody of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Zamboanga Peninsula pending the filing of charges against them.
