POLICE are eyeing a local crime group as behind the shooting incident in Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay that left six people killed and four others wounded.

Zamboanga Sibugay Police Director Romulo Cleve Taboso said the attack on a group of men along the highway in Barangay Cainglet in Kabasalan town on February 9 could be a retaliation by a local crime group over the arrest of their comrade.

Killed in the attack, which happened around 11 p.m., were Emeristo Bastasa, Raymary Tena, Asser Mangan, Delia Pagador, Marisa Bucan, and a certain Calib-ogat. Wounded were Alex Angoon, Agnes Mangan, her eight-year-old daughter, Syra; and Ryan Dumalag Francisco.

The victims were seated on a police car that was parked in an auto repair shop when two men onboard a motorcycle opened fire at them.

The police vehicle, which was under repair at the auto shop, was

damaged by the attack.

The suspects also tossed a grenade as they fled from the crime scene.

Police said the perpetrators were out to avenge the arrest of Odih Wahab, who was nabbed during a law enforcement operation on February 3 at a hotel in Barangay Tirso Babiera in Ipil town.

Wahab had standing warrants of arrest for robbery, highway robbery and brigandage, and murder.

Governor Wilter Palma has promised families of the victims that justice will be served. (SunStar Philippines)