Extortionists leave behind gun parts, ammunition after clash

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PAGADIAN CITY – Soldiers had recovered various firearms parts and ammunition following Friday’s clash with an armed group in Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte, the military said Sunday.

Lt. Col. Danilo Ambe, commander of the 42nd Infantry Battalion, said the manhunt against members of the Suminggal group was continuing after Friday’s clash in Sitio Balas in Barangay Poblacion in Kalawit.

The Suminggal group, allegedly headed by Monib Aquilan, was engaged in extortion and land grabbing activities in the town, he said.

Ambe said his men were on combat patrol Friday when they clashed with the gunmen.

The armed men withdrew towards Barangay Palalian after the 30-minute firefight and left behind an M203 grenade launcher hand guard, an M16 rifle bolt chamber, a hammock, more than 500 rounds of various ammunitions and other items.

It was not clear if the group suffered any casualties. /cbb