4 killed in Zamboanga shootout

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Four people were killed in a gun battle at dawn on Tuesday between suspected drug dealers and policemen in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines, officials said.

Maj. Ramon Bautista said one policeman, SSgt. Larry Balasabas, was seriously wounded in the operation in Recodo village here.

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. “Jallao is wanted for murder,” he said.

He said Jallao managed to escape during the firefight and is being hunted down by the police.

BGen. Jesus Cambay Jr, regional police chief, has ordered an intensified campaign against illegal drugs in Zamboanga Peninsula as part of the government’s campaign.

On Monday, city policemen under Col. Thomas Joseph Martir arrested three drug dealers during a sting operation in San Roque village. Police seized from them five packs of crystal meth worth over P1 million.

Source: TheManila Times