ONE of the most wanted persons in the Province of Zamboanga Sibugay was killed in a law enforcement operation launched by joint police and military operatives in that province, a police official announced.

The fatality was identified as Arnel Sahibul alias Vandam, according to Police Major Shellamie Chang, Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula information officer.

Chang said Sahibul was killed in a shootout during a law enforcement operation by way of service of warrant of arrest around 4:50 p.m. Wednesday, June 30, in Sawa village, Mabuhay, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Chang said the shootout ensued after Sahibul, armed with a carbine rifle, opened fire while the lawmen were about to serve warrant of arrest against the latter.

She said the troops returned fire that resulted in the death of Sahibul, who has standing warrant of arrest for the crime of frustrated murder issued on July 10, 2018 by the court of Imelda and is listed as the top 4 most wanted person of Oluntanga town, Zamboanga Sibugay province.

She said the troops recovered from Sahibul a carbine rifle with several rounds of live ammunition, a grenade, illegal drug paraphernalia, and some personal belongings. (SunStar Zamboanga)