1 reported dead in Zamboanga Sibugay shooting — PH Army

One person was reportedly killed in shooting incidents involving two warring groups in Zamboanga Sibugay, the Philippine Army said Wednesday.

“There were dalawang incidents doon sa Zamboanga Sibugay na allegedly shooting incidents,” Philippine Army spokesperson Colonel Louie Dema-ala told GMA News Online.

“As per initial report from our field units. These involved yung mga armed groups, warring party armed groups,” he added.

According to him, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Army’s 1st Infantry Division are investigating the incident and securing the area.

Based on initial reports, gunfires were heard in Barangay Mt. View in Imelda, Zamboanga Sibugay on Tuesday evening. Shells were recovered in the area.

The other shooting incident was reported in Barangay Litayon in Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay on Wednesday morning where one unidentified civilian was reportedly killed.

Dema-ala noted that these are just initial reports and undergoing validation.

Earlier in the day, Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairperson George Garcia said the final testing and sealing of automated counting machines (ACMs) at a voting center in Zamboanga Sibugay was suspended.

This was after an encounter occurred between the military and unidentified armed men, according to Garcia.

However, Dema-ala clarified that state troops were not involved in the firefight but they only responded to the incident.

Garcia did not mention what town was affected.

He, however, said the final testing and sealing of ACMs was halted to ensure the safety of Comelec employees and those witnessing the event. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News