Basilan cop critical in hospital after shooting; one suspect killed

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Zamboanga del Sur—-A police officer who was manning a checkpoint in Lamitan City is still in a critical condition after he was shot Monday.

Patrolman Ronnie Sawadi, 27, a member of the 1405th Regional Mobile Force Company, suffered multiple gun shot wounds when he and several soldiers, flagged down two motorcycles around 11:25 a.m. on November 4 at Barangay Limook, Lamitan City, Basilan.

Major John Paolo Carracedo, officer-in-charge of the Lamitan City police office, said three suspects riding two motorbikes attacked the law enforcers manning the checkpoint using an undetermined type of gun.

Sawadi retaliated but the suspects managed to flee. Soldiers chased the fleeing suspects and this resulted to further exchange of fires.

Carracedo said the pursuing troops were able to subdue one suspect, identified as Husrie Diamon, of Barangay Mahatalang in Sumisip town, while the two others, identified only as Abdurahan and Motahir, managed to elude arrest.

Diamon died upon arrival at the Basilan General Hospital in Isabela City.

Security forces were able to recover a .45-caliber pistol from Diamon and one of the two motorcycles./TSB