Wounded Zambo cop in bloody shootout with criminals dies

ZAMBOANGA CITY – A policeman who was shot and wounded while serving a warrant for the arrest of suspected drug dealers and murderers succumbed to his mortal wound, officials announced Thursday.

Officials said Staff Sergeant Larry Balasabas who led the Tuesday operation against the suspects in Recodo village died while undergoing medical treatment in hospital.

“The Police Regional Office 9 mourns the death of a brave police officer,” said regional police chief, Brigadier General Jesus Cambay Jr.

Four people were killed in a gun battle between policemen and the suspects, according to Major Ramon Bautista, who said Balasabas was shot in the head.

Bautista said the policemen, armed with a warrant, were trying to arrest Nurhassan Jallao, who is wanted for murder, when gunmen attacked them, sparking a gun battle. He said Jallao managed to escape during the firefight and is being hunted down by the police.

Cambay praised the courage of the slain policeman. “The invaluable gallantry displayed by the late Staff Sergeant Balasabas, who fearlessly faced the risk to fulfill his duty, is admirable and commendable,” he said.

He ordered city police forces under Colonel Thomas Joseph Martir to arrest Jallao. “I directed the Zamboanga City Police Office to ensure the suspect is put behind bars as soon as possible so justice will be served to the family,” he said. (Zamboanga Post)


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