Suspect in slay of Zamboanga Sibugay town vice mayor killed in shootout - PNP

The primary suspect in the murder of Vice Mayor Restituto Calonge of Mabuhay, Zamboanga Sibugay and his companion was killed during a shootout, Philippine National Police (PNP) said Thursday.

PNP chief Police General Debold Sinas, in a report, said the fatality is identified as "Jenal," who is allegedly a member of the criminal group Anwar Ansang operating in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

Sinas said elements of 902nd Maneuver Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9 (RMFB9); 903rd MC, RMFB9; Intel Sec., RMFB9 and 2nd ZSPMFC were serving an arrest warrant against Ermahudin Manguda alias, Er-Er in Purok Bombil, Barangay Igat, Margosatubig in Zamboanga Del Sur at 10 a.m.

At the location, operatives encountered Manguda's accomplices, Maide Balugtod Zuluenta, Al-Muag and Jenal.

Jenal, who was at the location, died in the firefight with the troops while the two other suspects managed to escape.

Recovered in the crime scene were a Gold Cup caliber 45 pistol loaded with ammunition, a holster and a sling bag.

Authorities will conduct follow-up operations to capture the two other suspects, Sinas also said. -- BAP, GMA News