ZAMBOANGA CITY — Police and military authorities have conducted a Joint Law Enforcement Operation and seized 61 loose firearms, and arrested 47 persons for illegally possessing the weapons in Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur.

AFP-Western Mindanao (AFP-WMC) Command Chief Maj. Gen.  Antonio G. Nafarrete  said yesterday the military  conducted the operation in Barangay Pimbalakan, Mamasapano to liberate the locals from a crossfire between two fully armed warring groups on Friday.

Nafarrete said the security forces under the Joint Task Force-Central acted on the call of affected civilians who feared for their safety after the two warring groups continued their skirmishes in the village.

Nafarrete reported that the conflicting armed groups of Badrudin Inda and Zainudin Kiaro of  Barangays  Pimbalakan and Tukanalipao in Mamasapano are causing fear and distress among the locals due to the skirmishes occurring in the area.

The report said that despite the several peace dialogues that were conducted by the Mamasapano Local Government Unit, armed clashes continued.

The continued skirmishes in the village have led the security forces to act on the call of affected civilians who feared for their safety regarding the presence of armed men in the area, Nafarrete said.

According to Nafarrete a joint operation with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Barangay officials was implemented to remove these loose firearms from the communities to protect the civilians and stop these armed clashes.

Col. Ricky P. Bunayog, officer in charge of the 601st Brigade said, “The troops of 601st Brigade are supporting the PNP of Mamasapano in the conduct of Law Enforcement Operations in Barangays Pimbalakan and Tukanalipao aim to fully implement the rule of law in response to the criminal activities committed by these lawless armed groups.”