2 suspected kidnap-for-ransom gang members killed in Zambo shootout

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 14): 2 suspected kidnap-for-ransom gang members killed in Zambo shootout

The police have killed in a shootout two suspected kidnap-for-ransom gang members and arrested six others, including a policeman and a barangay official, an official announced Monday.

Four other KFRG members managed to escape while a raiding team member was wounded in the ensuing shootout, according to Zamboanga City police officer-in-charge Senior Supt. Angelito Casimiro.

Casimiro said the joint raiding team swooped down the suspects’ safe house around 1:30 a.m. Monday to serve a search warrant issued by the court for violation of Republic Act 10591 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

Casimiro said a shootout erupted as the suspects fired at the raiding team that injured Police Officer Carlos Buraig of the Special Action Force (SAF).

Casimiro said they have yet to identify the two suspects who were killed in the shootout.

Six suspects were arrested and they are identified as the following: Mamarin Pilay, 51, the barangay captain of Lakiki, Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte; PO1 Saudi Apion, 35, who is assigned in Lamitan City, Basilan; Alraf Apion, 27; Jakaria Jamani, 22, Allan Abdullah, 29; and, Nasser Siddik, 24.

Casimiro said the raiding team recovered from the suspects’ safe house four caliber .45 pistols with ammunition and three fragmentation grenades.

Casimiro said the group is being linked to three previous kidnappings -- one in Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte, and two in this city.

“We are also checking if the group was involved in the kidnapping of Michael Kho,” Casimiro said.

Kho was kidnapped last April 2 in Barangay Poblacion, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte.

Kho was released around 6 a.m. Sunday in Barangay Labuan, this city.

Casimiro said that the group is reportedly planning to kidnap a high-profile personality at any given opportune time in this city.

He said the suspects are also involved in gunrunning activities but did not further elaborate as investigation is ongoing to determine the extent of the suspects’ operations.

He said that they are still determining whether the suspects have ties with the Abu Sayyaf Group or to any other lawless groups.

He said the presence of the suspects was monitored by the intelligence unit of the police.

Meanwhile, Casimiro said the Special Investigation Unit of the ZCPO is preparing to file appropriate charges against the suspects.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=635086