GOVERNMENT troops have arrested two alleged extortionists victimizing fishermen in the waters of Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay, the police said.

Chief Inspector Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula information officer, identified the arrested suspects as Zomar Arguilles Sabtal, 36 and Mukasid Arani Sabtal, both residents of Kaliantana village, Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Galvez said the suspects were arrested around 11 a.m. Monday, September 10, off Tungawan municipality, while they were extorting the crew of a fishing boat that was on fishing venture.

She said the suspects, who were aboard a motorboat marked “Sacrifice,” tried to escape but were cornered by the policemen conducting seaborne patrol.

Confiscated from the suspects were: a hand grenade, a caliber .45 pistol colt with four live ammunition, one cellular phone, and an ammunition of M-203 grenade launcher, she added.

Galvez said the suspects were detained while appropriate charges are set to be filed against them. (Bong Garcia/SunStar Philippines)