ZAMBOANGA CITY — Patrolling security forces engaged in a brief firefight with lawless elements in Midsayap II, Cotabato, and recovered 14 high-powered firearms, the AFP-Western Mindanao Command reported yesterday.

AFP-WMC chief Lt. Gen. William Gonzales said that soldiers and police elements apprehended eight suspects in Barangay Kudarangan, Midsayap II, on Thursday.

Gonzales said soldiers from the 34th Infantry Battalion and members of the Midsayap municipal police were conducting a joint security patrol in Barangay Kudarangan when they were fired upon by an undetermined number of armed men led by Sukarno Madidis Tayuan, alias Sukarno Katog.

A brief exchange of gunfire ensued for about five minutes, after which the armed men fled in a different direction, overmatched by the skills of the security forces and their high-powered firearms.

The armed confrontation resulted in the apprehension of seven armed men and the recovery of seven high-powered firearms and ammunition, Gonzales said.

Joint Task Force-Central Commander Major General Alex Rillera identified the arrested rebels as Mangumpal Tutukan, Ali Usman, Ebrahin Usman, Kadil Kaninda, and Jonix Esmail, all residents of Damatulan, Midsayap II, a special geographic area in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Troops of the 34th IB, who also conducted a pursuit operation, recovered seven M16 rifles with magazines and ammunition left behind by the fleeing armed men. One other person was arrested.

Rillera said the operation was conducted to prevent the escalation of a recent armed clash between two warring groups in the area.

The arrested rebels and seized firearms were placed in the custody of Midsayap MPS for proper disposition.

Gonzales lauded the operating troops for successfully pacifying the chaotic situation in Barangay Kudarangan and attributed the success to the strong collaboration between the 34th IB and Midsayap MPS.