Security forces raid Zamboanga village, clash with gunmen

From the Mindanao Examiner (Dec 28): Security forces raid Zamboanga village, clash with gunmen

Security forces raided a remote village early Monday in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines and clashed briefly with gunmen who eluded capture, officials said.

Officials said the raid, involving more than 200 policemen and soldiers backed by armoured vehicles, targeted a gang hiding out in the village called Muti. The raiders, led by the local police chief, Angelito Casimiro, recovered munitions for automatic rifles and illegal drugs.

At least 3 men engaged security forces in the clash, but managed to elude arrest after they fled deeper into the wooded area of the village.

Authorities have been cracking down on the proliferation of illegal weapons and drugs in Zamboanga and had in the past operations captured dozens of people here as part of an intensified security campaign against lawless elements and terrorism.

Mayor Beng Climaco has ordered security forces to remain on alert due to persistent Abu Sayyaf threats to bomb various civilian targets, including malls and market places, in Zamboanga.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/security-forces-raid-zamboanga-village-clash-with-gunmen/