Soldiers clash with kidnap group in Zamboanga Sibugay

MANILA, Philippines—Government forces clashed with armed men who were allegedly “about to conduct a kidnapping activity” in Zamboanga Sibugay Thursday afternoon.

Quoting a report from  Army’s 44th Infantry Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel Yegor Rey Barroquillo Jr., a statement of First Infantry Division on Friday said police and military forces encountered lawless elements led by a certain Baser Sakilan in Sitio KM2, Brgy Crossing Sta Clara, Naga at about 4:45 p.m.

The firefight lasted for about 30 minutes.

Recovered from the site of the encounter site were one M203 grenade launcher, one M2 caliber .30 carbine rifle, assorted ammunitions for M16 rifle, M14 rifle and Garand rifle and one rifle grenade, the statement added.

No casualties were reported on police and military side, while the security forces were still gathering information on possible casualties on the gunmen.

More troops were deployed to pursue the armed men.