Soldiers kill gang member in Zamboanga del Norte clash

PAGADIAN CITY – Soldiers killed a criminal gang member in a clash with soldiers in Barangay Panabutan in Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte on Saturday.

Maj. Ronald Suscano, the spokesperson of the 1st Infantry Division, said soldiers under the 42ndInfantry Battalion were conducting an operation in Sitio Marhadja when they clashed with the group led by Jumalon Tungkalan.

Tungkalan’s group was reportedly involved in criminal activities, such as as robbery and extortion.

Suscano identified the slain gang member as Haton Hassan, whose body was recovered following the firefight, along with a .45-caliber pistol.

Col. Francisco Ariel Felicidario III, the 102nd Brigade commander, said the clash was the result of reports by civilians, who informed the military about the presence of the criminal gang in the area.

“Our soldiers stand ready to respond and address to any attempt by the armed threat groups threatening the safety and well-being of the people,” Maj. Gen. Roseller Murillo, the 1st Infantry Division commander, said. /atm