1 killed, 6 wounded in Zamboanga City land dispute

At least one person was killed while six were wounded after a grenade explosion and shooting marred a land dispute in Zamboanga City Saturday.

The confrontation occurred between residents and guards of a plywood firm whose workers were constructing a fence in Purok 3 in Barangay Recodo, radio dzBB reported Sunday.

GMA stringer Jayvee Francisco reported the fatality was identified as Mubin Hamja, 20.

Col. Andrelino Colina, head of Task Force Zamboanga, said they will deploy military personnel in the area and propose to the police to conduct zoning for possible loose firearms and explosives.

A separate report by GMA stringers Nonong and Johnny Santiago identified the injured in the grenade explosion as Elmer Tadeo, Ariston Saratan, John Ray Maghanoy, Enrico Menor, Robert Glog and Loreto Morales. An earlier report had stated that nine were injured.

For its part, the city government dispelled speculations that what happened was a terrorist attack.

"While the parties have reached agreement on various demands, the negotiation bogged down on the demand to stop the construction of a fence," it added.

The city government added it will assist those affected by the incident, including the 120 families that evacuated.

Saturday's violence started when residents blocked the disputed area, saying the fencing project blocked the path to the mosque. — Joel Locsin/BM, GMA News