SIMULTANEOUS raids against lawless groups in Ozamiz City last Thursday turned bloody when a shootout allegedly ensued, resulting to the killing of at least nine suspects.
Six others were arrested, including a policeman, when authorities swooped down on their separate lairs in Cabinti and Balintawak villages in Ozamiz on June 1.
The suspects, along with their slain comrades, were said to be responsible in a series of robbery and shooting incidents in the city known as the haven of the dreaded Kuratong Baleleng gang.
Killed were Francisco Manzano, Joel Mira, Jerry Manzano, Romeo Libaton, Lito Manisan, Alfie Mahusay, Anjun Simene, Consorcio Rubio Sr., and a still unidentified companion.
Apprehended were Jonner Libatog, Laureto Ugmad, Janice Manzano, Carmelita Manzano, Monaliza Ugmad, and Police Officer 2 (PO2) Diosdado Hinoctan Jr., who is assigned at a police station in neighboring Tangub City.
Superintendent Lemuel Gonda, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-Northern Mindanao, said operatives from Ozamiz City police and Provincial Public Safety Company (PPSC) of Misamis Occidental engaged with the suspects in a firefight after informants tipped off their whereabouts.
Gonda said the suspects, after noticing the operatives’ presence, were the first to open fire.
"Naay information nga ang mga suspects naa sa maong mga area busa nag operation ang mga police. Dili pa masulti ang pangalan sa grupo kay kamulo pa investigation," the police official said, adding that some of the suspects were able to evade arrest.
Gonda said the policeman arrested in the raid will face administrative and criminal charges that will lead to dismissal from the police service.
"Apil sa grupo ang police nga nadakpan. Posible kunsabo ang police sa mga krimen ug matanggal gyud ni sa serbisyo ug kasuhan," he said.
Recovered from the scene, Gonda said, are several firearms, ammunition and drug paraphernalia, including two improvised shotguns, one caliber 45 pistol, one caliber 38 revolver, one armalite rifle, ammunition and 11 sachets of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride or “shabu.”
The operatives also confiscated a gold plated necklace, bracelet and a ring.
Gonda said the arrested suspects may face illegal possession of firearms and ammunition and drug charges.
"Kung naay complainant sa mga series of shooting and robbery incidents maapil gihapon," Gonda said.
