2 killers of Pagadian City Broadcaster died, 1 captured in joint gov’t troops hot pursuit in Zamboanga del Sur

Labangan MPS conducted road security along the

National Highway of Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur

By HIROHITO ‘Jong’ D. CADION

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (May 13,  2018) – Two suspected killer of broadcaster were killed and one captured during the encounter Saturday evening in a hot pursuit operation by the combined operating troops at Baranagy Binayan in the neighboring municipality of Labangan of this province, Military Official said.

DPAO Chief Maj. Ronald E. Suscano disclosed that the troops under 53^rd Infantry Battalion led by Cpt Roderick H. Alcantara together with the Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Police Office and Labangan Municipal Police Station, responded to the reported shooting incident of Broadcaster Carlos A. Matas Saturday afternoon in Brgy Noburan of the same municipality when the firefight erupted. 

At about 11:45pm of the same day, the government forces were able to maneuver closer to the enemy location which further intensified the exchange of fire, the series of firefight resulted to the death of two members of the armed group and the capture one other, DPAO Chief said.

 Government operatives recovered at the encounter site were one M14 rifle, one KG9, one caliber .45 pistol and two cellular phones. One police personnel was wounded on the government side.

Labangan MPS Chief of Police Senior Inspector Harry R. Velez confirmed that one police personnel was wounded identified as Senior Insp. Aiko Tesoro.

The wounded police personnel was brought to Hofileña Hospital in this city for proper medical treatment while the two cadavers and one enemy captured were brought to Labangan municipal police station for proper disposition and medical attention, Senior Insp. Velez said.

In another development, earlier on May 11, troops of 10IB under JTF “ZamPeLan” led by 2lt John Carlo P Gabinay, also encountered undetermined number of CPP NPA Terrorists  while conducting combat operation at Brgy Sebucal in Oroquita City in the province of Missamis Occidemtal which resulted to the recovery of several war items and explosive devices.  No casualty reported on both sides military, Maj. Suscano disclosed.

Maj General Roseller G. Murillo, Army’s 1st Infantry (Tabaki) Division Chief and concurrent Commander of JTF “ZamPeLan” said: Both armed encounters happened as the Brgy and SK election is nearing, but these will not hinder our soldiers from performing its mandate.  Its operations and development support activities will continue especially in pursuing the terrorists and other armed groups that may disrupt or restraint the Filipinos’ right to vote.

“The Philippine Army is a professional organization and will remain impartial and focused on its mission to serve and protect the people”, Tabaki Chief added.

Government troops are still on hot pursuit operation as of this report.