Ato Antao Lumningis, an alleged kidnap-for-ransom-group member, was killed in a clash with government forces early Monday in Sipakit, Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte. (Photo courtesy of the Army's 1st Infantry Division Public Affairs Office)
A member of a kidnap-for-ransom-group (KFRG) was killed while a soldier was wounded in a firefight in the hinterlands of Zamboanga del Norte, officials said Monday.
Lt. Col. Leon Onggao, the Army’s 42nd Infantry Battalion commander, said the firefight happened around 5 a.m. Monday in Barangay Sipakit, Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte.
Onggao said the firefight ensued while the joint military and police forces were on a law enforcement operation by way of serving warrants of arrest against Juhuri Wahab Tukalan and Isnain Yacub.
Onggao said Tukalan and Yacub belong to the Jamilon Takalan group, which is involved in kidnapping and extortion activities in Sipakit, Sirawai.
“Our troops together with the PNP (Philippine National Police) were serving warrants of arrest for murder and attempted murder case against Juhuri Wahab Tukalan and Isnain Yacub when the clash happened,” he added.
He said the firefight lasted for about two hours that resulted in the death of Ato Antao Lumingis, a KFRG member. The other KFRG members--some of them wounded--scampered to different directions, he added.
Onggao said the troops recovered two ammunition of rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launcher, two 12-gauge shotguns, two improvised caliber .22 pistols, a hand grenade, and various types of ammunition.
The wounded soldier who belongs to the Army’s 42nd Infantry Battalion was airlifted to a hospital in this city.
Col. Bagnus Gaerlan Jr., the Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade commander, said the clash was the result of the collaboration among the stakeholders especially civilians in Sirawai "who continuously report the presence of the lawless groups."
Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Roberto Ancan, the Army’s 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) commander, commended the neutralization of the KFRG member and the disruption of the group's "terror activities".
“The Tabak troopers in collaboration with the PNP will intensify joint law enforcement operation to protect the people and communities against lawless elements,” Ancan said.
“We also ensure that our wounded personnel will get the best medical care for his fast recovery,” he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1064881
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