Alleged Maute Group member, 2 cohorts arrested in Lanao del Sur — PNP

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Wednesday an alleged member of the Maute Group and his two cohorts were arrested in Marantak, Lanao del Sur on Tuesday.

In a statement, PNP’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) identified the suspects as Mastura Disomala, 43; Samen Mamasao, 23; and Moca Giambal, 25.

The police said the three were arrested during the implementation of a search warrant. Authorities were able to seize guns and ammunition from the suspects.

According to the PNP, Disomala is a former barangay chairman allegedly maintaining private armed groups linked to Daulah Islamiyah-Maute Group.

The CIDG said Disomala was supposedly a known supporter of the Maute Group under Faharudin Hadji Satar or “Abu Zacharia” operating in the area of Piagapo. He is also the nephew of a certain Arafat, a deceased Maute member, according to the police.

He was an alleged close relative of Macainding Banto Ditopor and Musa Banto Ditopor who are members of the “Magalayon Group” operating in Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte who are involved in kidnap-for-ransom, gun-for-hire, and gunrunning activities, the CIDG said.

Confiscated from the suspects were the following:

• an M16 caliber 5.56 with scope (AFP property);
• an M16 Colt caliber 5.56;
• an M14 rifle;
• an Ingram caliber 9mm;
• a Colt Officers ACP caliber .45;
• a hand grenade;
• a caliber 5.56 rifle magazine with 20 rounds of ammunition;
• two caliber 7.56 rifle magazine with 29 rounds of ammunition;
• a caliber 9mm magazine with 13 rounds of ammunition;
• a caliber .45 magazine with 7 rounds of ammunition.

A complaint for violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act is set to be filed against the arrested persons, the CIDG said.—Joviland Rita/AOL, GMA News