Gun-for-hire gang member nabbed in Zamboanga del Sur

PAGADIAN CITY – A member of the notorious criminal gang Anwar-Ansang Group, who led an ambush of soldiers on November 2016, was arrested at Purok Baltagi, Barangay Nian, Dinas town, Zamboanga Del Sur at 2 a.m. Friday.

A police team arrested Diamaludin Hasim Panandigan also known as “Tiaw,” who had a warrant issued in Pagadian City on April 13, 2013, on four counts of murder and attempted murder.

Senior Inspector Edwin Lumingo, Dinas police chief, said the Anwar Ansang Group was a criminal group engaged in narcotics trafficking, robbery, extortion, and gun-for-hire activities.

They had been responsible for a series of previous shooting incidents, including the ambush of soldiers of the 53rd Infantry Battalion that killed a soldier and wounded three others.

Panandigan was detained at Dinas police station. LEAH AGONOY