By Nonoy Lacson
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Four members of a notorious criminal gang operating in Midsalip, Zamboanga Del Sur were killed in a shootout with policemen during law enforcement operations, early Thursday morning.
(Credit: Pixabay / MANILA
Police director for Zamboanga peninsula Chief Supt. Billy Beltran said the fatalities were Ramon Bantayan, Rondi Bantayan nd two other fatalities who have remained unidentified.
Beltran said the police also recovered from the possession of the victims improvised shotguns (paltik), caliber .45 pistols, assorted ammunitions including bladed weapons.
According to Beltran, the shootout transpired at Purok 4, Barangay Cumarom, Midsalip, Zamboanga Del Sur at about 5:30 a.m. Thursday.
Beltran said the policemen were serving the arrest warrant for murder against Ramon and Rondi Bantayan who both ranked top 7 most wanted person in Midsalip town..
The suspects, who sensed the arrival of the policemen, fired at them while they were approaching, triggering a few minutes of shootout.
After the gunfight, the policemen found the bodies of the suspects and two other unidentified gunmen in the area.
Beltran said both Ramon and Rondi were tagged as responsible in several shooting incidents in Midsalip and the adjacent town