Gunmen attack Zambo checkpoint, cop wounded

From the Manila Times (Dec 16, 2020): Gunmen attack Zambo checkpoint, cop wounded

ZAMBOANGA CITY: Security forces were pursuing Monday two motorcycle gunmen who shot and wounded a policeman manning a checkpoint in the city.

The gunmen stopped at a checkpoint in Curuan village late Sunday and shot one of two policemen, sparking a brief gunfight, according to Capt. Marvin Baclayo, the police station commander in the area.

He said Cpl. Cesar Gacosta was wounded in the attack. Gacosta’s companion traded gunfire with the attackers, forcing them to flee on foot under cover of darkness, leaving behind their motorcycle and a pistol.

“We are tracking down the gunmen,” Baclayo said, adding, they are investigating the motive of the shooting.

No individual or group claimed responsibility for the attack and police cannot say whether the gunmen were wounded in the exchange of fire. “We still don’t know if the gunmen were wounded in the firefight,” Baclayo said.

Baclayo said the wounded cop was hospitalized. He said police recovered at least 10 bullet shells from the site and believed fired from a .45-caliber pistol and a 9mm pistol.

The shooting came as Zamboanga tightened its security following fresh intelligence reports that Abu Sayyaf terrorists may strike at any opportune time. Al Jacinto

https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/12/15/news/regions/gunmen-attack-zambo-checkpoint-cop-wounded/811106/