Security forces capture notorious killer and gunrunner in Lanao Norte

PAGADIAN CITY – Security forces captured a notorious hired killer and gunrunner in the province of Lanao del Norte in southern Philippines, security officials said Friday.

Military photos show the captured Halid Ameril and his weapons. 

Officials said Halid Ameril was captured Thursday at a road block in the village of Dansalan in Sapad town after receiving intelligence that he would pass the area to smuggle automatic weapons.

Ameril, a member of the Rhapakhar criminal group, was cornered by soldiers and policemen and they seized from him one M-16 automatic rifle, one M14 Garand rifle, one handheld radio, magazines and ammunition, according to a report by Brig. Gen. Facundo Palafox IV, commander of the 2^nd Mechanized Brigade, involved in the joint operation.

Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, commander of the 1^st Infantry Division, lauded the capture of Ameril and praised soldiers and policemen for the successful operation. “Amid the fight against the COVID- 19, you have shown professionalism and proficiency to eradicate lawless elements that continuously pose threat to the peace and safety of the people in our area of responsibility,” he said.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, chief of the military’s Western Mindanao Command, also praised the joint law enforcement operation and congratulated the units involved in the mission. “Strong interagency collaboration is very vital in the implementation of joint law enforcement operations. Successful operations are also attributed to the aggressive stance of the peace-loving citizens against lawlessness and criminality in their community,” he said.

Officials did not say how many people Ameril had killed or who were supplying illegal weapons to his group. (Zamboanga Post)

Like Us on Facebook: The Mindanao Examiner
Like Us on Facebook: The Zamboanga Post
Follow Us on Twitter: Mindanao Examine
Mirror Site: Mindanao Examiner Blog
Digital Archives: Mindanao Examiner Digital
Media Rates: Advertising Rates