ZAMBOANGA CITY – One of the most wanted persons in the country was killed in a shootout during a law enforcement operation in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, a top police official said Friday.
Col. Diomarie Albarico, Zamboanga del Sur police director, said Esmael Sanday was killed in a shootout in Barangay Lenok Madalum, Lapuyan at about 5:55 a.m. Friday.
Sanday, a member of the Kiang Balimbingan crime group based in Zamboanga Sibugay, is listed as one of the most wanted persons in the country with a PHP165,000 cash reward on his head.
No less than the Department of the Interior and Local Government, in a circular memorandum issued in October 2021, put up the bounty.
Albarico said the shootout ensued when Sanday pulled a caliber .45 pistol and opened fire, prompting the policemen to return fire, hitting him.
He said the shootout broke out while the policemen were about to serve arrest warrants against Sanday, who is facing two cases of murder in separate courts in Pagadian, Zamboanga del Sur, and frustrated murder in a court in Zamboanga Sibugay.
Sanday was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician. (PNA)
