Cop killed, 3 others wounded in clash

PAGADIAN CITY – A policeman was killed and his companion wounded after clashing with gunmen in the town of Sominot in Zamboanga del Sur province in southern Philippines, officials said Wednesday.

Officials said the Tuesday fighting also wounded one of the gunmen who were eventually captured during a police operation along with three other suspects in the village of New Oroquieta. 

The two policemen, all members of the intelligence unit, were sent to the area after receiving reports from civilians that motorcycle gunmen were spotted roaming the village. 

“Intel operatives from ZSPIU conducted validation on the monitored two motorcycle- riding unidentified armed men roaming along the roads of New Carmen and New Oroquieta. Upon validation of the intel operatives, they were engaged in an armed encounter by the armed men,” said Maj. Shellamie Chang, a regional police spokeswoman, adding, the clash killed SSg. Khalid Jade Dacula and wounded SSg. Ronald Managbanag. 

Chang said police reinforcements were able to capture Rogelio Cabasan, 52; a village watchman, who had a gunshot wound in his right shoulder and left leg. Police also recovered from him a .357 magnum revolver and a .45-caliber pistol. 

She said three more suspects who are all brothers - Tito Babanto, 36; Dioneso Babanto, 57; and Leonie Babanto, 48, also with a gunshot wound in his right leg – were captured by the police. The slain policeman’s Glock pistol was recovered from Leonie’s possession, and an M16 rifle and a magazine from Dioneso. 

Earlier in the day, the village chairwoman, Daylinda Babanto Lagas, and brothers Leonie and Tito arrested Ian Rey Muyco, 26; who was caught with a .357 magnum revolver near their house. Muyco, a resident of Dumingag town, was handed over to the municipal police. 

Muyco was riding tandem on a motorcycle, whose driver managed to escape. 

“Investigation revealed that prior to the incident, the suspect, a back rider in a single motorcycle, passed by the road near the house of the Barangay Chairman, suspiciously looking while his hand was placed inside the sling bag which prompted the Barangay Chairman together with brothers to stop the single motorcycle and verify the identity of the suspect. The sling bag contained a .357 revolver wherein the suspect failed to present any documents of the firearm,” a separate police report said. 

“Further investigation revealed that the suspect is allegedly involved in threatening and harassing residents during nighttime by entering their homes and forcing them to surrender their votes with a promise of money in the coming election,” the report added. 

It was unclear whether the fighting was a mistaken encounter or not. The Babanta family has not released any statement. (Mindanao Examiner)