One person dead, soldier wounded in encounter with alleged lawless group in Zamboanga del Norte

March 18, 2019

An alleged lawless element was killed while a soldier was wounded in a two-hour firefight as police and military served arrest warrants for murder and attempted murder in Zamboanga del Norte early Monday.

Capt. Clint Antipala, spokesman of the 1st Infantry Division, said the slain suspect was identified by his relative as Ato Antao Lumingis.

Antipala said the encounter between the lawless group and government forces occurred in the vicinity of Brgy Sipakit, Sirawai around 5 am.

Lt. Col. Leon Onggao, commander of the 42nd Infantry Battalion, said military and police forces were serving warrants of arrest for murder and attempted murder against Juhuri Wahab Tukalan and Isnain Yacub under the Jamilon Tukalab group.

“The said group is notorious in kidnapping and extortion activities and are responsible in conducting ambuscades against the civilians in the area,” he said.

“During the two-hour firefight, wounded lawless elements were also seen by our troops as they scampered to different directions”, he added.

Antipala said following the clash the wounded soldier was airlifted to Zamboanga City for treatment.

“Troops were also able to recover two rocket-propelled grenade ammunition, two 12-gauge shotguns, two improvised caliber .22, one grenade, magazines and various ammunition, bandolier and assorted uniforms,” he said. Robina Asido/DMS