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Zambo regional police mourns death of ‘brave policeman’

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.

August 13, 2020, 8:33 pm

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Police Regional Office (PRO) 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) said it was mourning the death of a “brave policeman” who was killed during a law enforcement operation in this southern port city.

Staff Sgt. Larry Balasabas, the team leader of the intelligence unit of the Zamboanga City Police Office’s (ZCPO) Station 9, expired on Wednesday while undergoing treatment at a local hospital.

Balasabas was critically wounded in a shootout in Barangay Recodo here at about 3:45 a.m. on Tuesday, which also resulted in the death of four people.

He led several police officers as they were about to serve a warrant of arrest against Nurhassan Jalao, who is facing murder charges.

Brig. Gen. Jesus Cambay Jr., PRO-9 director, expressed his condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family of Balasabas.

Cambay on Thursday directed the ZCPO to ensure the suspect's arrest "as soon as possible."

“It is unfortunate that the police operation intended to arrest a wanted person accused of murder has resulted in a bloody shootout, which resulted (in) the death of four suspects and the operative's team leader,” he said.

Killed during the shootout aside from Balasabas were Patti Abdurahim, Tato Saliento, Jamiri Abdurahim, 40, and Abdulbakil Abdurahim, 20.

Jalao, who was with Patti and Saliento, allegedly opened fire on the law enforcers, hitting Balasabas, when the policemen were about to enter Jalao’s hideout.

Jalao, who remains at large, shot dead Jamiri and Abdulbakil, who bumped into him while he was escaping.

Cambay said earlier that Jalao and two others – Silvin Jalao and Patti – were responsible for a shooting incident in Barangay Recodo on August 6.

“The invaluable gallantry displayed by the late PSSgt. Balasabas who fearlessly faced the risk to fulfill his duty is admirable and commendable,” he added. (PNA)

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