6 killed, 2 abducted as militiamen, gunmen clash in Zambo Norte

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Six people, including a militiaman, were killed while a child was wounded following a clash by militiamen and unidentified gunmen in a remote area in Zamboanga del Norte, an official disclosed Saturday.

Chief Supt. Edwin de Ocampo, deputy regional director for administration of Police Regional Office 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula), said the gunmen also used two individuals as human shields during the clash that occurred in Piacan, a coastal barangay in Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte, at about 6:05 p.m. Friday.

De Ocampo said the clash broke out as the militiamen - based at the Piacan detachment - responded to the reported arrival of five unidentified gunmen, clad in camouflage uniforms, at the village's shore.

He said the clash resulted in the death of a militiaman and five civilians hit in the crossfire. The fatalities were identified as Amsid Callun, the militiaman; Absar Gumba; Kabiran Ginsing; Saddam Tahir; Jaayri Lumihig; and Muslimin Adan.

The wounded minor was identified as Jering Carbi, whose age was not immediately known.

De Ocampo said the gunmen seized Rufo Roda and his wife, Helen, and used them as human shields as they escaped. Rufo is also a militiaman.
The gunmen fled with the couple on motorboats.

Police units in Zamboanga del Norte, in coordination with military authorities, have already launched an operation to track down the whereabouts of the Roda couple.

De Ocampo said the Zamboanga Coast Guard has deployed two Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats to assist the police and military forces in their search for the gunmen. (PNA)