2 cops, 1 Marine dead in Zamboanga City firefight

Two policemen and a Marine were killed in an apparent clash between their two groups in Zamboanga City on Tuesday night.

In an interview, Col. Andrelino Colina, commander of Task Force Zamboanga, said both the Philippine National Police and military are conducting a joint investigation to determine what transpired in Barangay Labuan on Tuesday night.

The officers killed were identified as PO1 Muhsin Jainul, PO3 Alkashmir Lipae, and Marine Corporal Jason Marqueses.

Colina said the members of Regional Public Safety Battalion-9 that figured in the shootout were observed to be neglectful of their duties, including wearing their proper uniform.

"Kagabi, nakita nila nag-drive 'yung pulis naka-half uniform, 'yung sakay na backride sa motorcycle 'yung isang civilian, 'yun ang may dala ng baril, so na-caution-an ng opisyal," Colina said.

"Ito namang pulis na ito put it negatively," he added.

A firefight between the police and the soldiers then ensued.

Colina said both the marines and RPSB officers deployed in the area have been pulled out and replaced. -Rose-An Jessica Dioquino/NB, GMA news