PAGADIAN CITY - A lowly farmer was killed and five others were wounded in
Brgy. Balas, Labason, Zamboanga del Norte after the an Improvised Explosive Device
(IEDs) exploded at about 5:00 o’clock early morning on Sunday September 16,
2012.
The victim was identified as William Barbona,
married, 48 years old, farmer of Sitio Mahayahay of same Barangay. His cadaver
was immediately brought to his family for proper disposition while the 5 others wounded were not yet know as of this press time.
In the initial investigation by Labason Municipal
Police Station (MPS), the victim was on his way towards his farmland to harvest
his coconut when he accidentally stepped the said bomb caused explosion that resulted
to his untimely death.
Police disclosed, the lawless/extortion group led
by Omar Arasid Alyas Sappi were identified as the responsible of planting the
IEDs in the crime scene as evidence of the modus operandi. The victim failed to
give extortion money to the group, government authorities said.
Tabak Commander Maj. General Ricardo Rainier G.
Cruz III urged the army unit in the province to provide support to the PNP and
other concerned agencies in their investigation to the incident.
“I condemned this incident. Placing these IEDs by
lawless elements brought death, unnecessary sufferings and misery to our people.
I encourage the populace to be alert and vigilant to ensure public safety,”
Maj. Gen. Cruz said. (With reports by DPAO)