Notorious bandit killed, 4 others captured in Zamboanga clash

ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY – Security forces killed a notorious bandit and captured four more, including one of their leaders, in a clash Monday in the southern Philippine province of Zamboanga Sibugay, officials said.

Officials said soldiers and policemen also recovered two rifles, a pistol, a motorboat and a motorcycle being used by the gang in their criminal activities in the province.

Captain Franco Suelto, a spokesman for the 1^stInfantry Division, said the operation was jointly launched by the 6^thSpecial Forces Battalion, including government militias headed by Sergeant Michael Reyes, and a team of local police under Senior Inspector Chamer Lacay and Inspector Roex Quirez.

He said troops raided the village of Santo Nino in an effort to arrest the gang, but the gunmen opened fire on security forces sparking a 10-minuted firefight that killed the 29-year old Abdul-aziz Alhabshi.

Three of those captured have been identified as Jambal Tarawi, who is one of the gang’s leader; Bernie Sahak, Alcif Tanjilu. They were implicated by authorities in the series of robbery and killings in the province.

Another gang leader, Danny Mohammad, who is facing a string of criminal charges, is still being hunted down by the police and military.

Brigadier General Gerardo Barrientos, the regional army commander, praised the soldiers and policemen for the capture of the notorious gang members. He ordered troops to continue operations against lawless elements and to stay on alert following the wave of bombings in Mindanao. (Mindanao Examiner – Ely Dumaboc)