A MEMBER of a kidnap-for-ransom-group (KFRG) was killed while another escaped in a firefight during a law enforcement operation in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay, the police said Friday, April 7.
Zamboanga Peninsula director Chief Superintendent Billy Beltran said the firefight occurred around 1:15 p.m. Thursday, April 6, at Sitio Ulingan in the village of Salipyasin, Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay.
Beltran identified the slain KFRG member as Samuhong Ahod, an alleged member of Abdusalam syndicate crime group.
He said Ahod’s companion who managed to escape was identified as Morsid Ahod, who has standing warrant of arrest for murder.
Beltran said the joint police and military personnel launched the operation by serving warrant of arrest after they received information that the Ahods were sighted at Sitio Ulingan.
The police chief said the firefight broke out after Samuhong opened fire upon seeing the arriving lawmen, giving Morsid the opportunity to escape.
Beltran said the remains of Samuhong was taken to the hospital and turned over to his wife for proper disposition.
The Abdusalam crime group is involved in atrocities like kidnapping, robbery hold-up, extortion, and other crimes. (SunStar Philippines)