Zamboanga del Norte (CNN Philippines)—At least two police officers and two civilians were injured in an ambush by lawless elements in Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte Sunday morning (January 24).
According to the Zamboanga del Norte Philippine National Police (PNP) Public Information Office, four police personnel were conducting mobile patrol at Barangay Sto Nino, Sibuco Zamboanga del Norte when they were attacked by still unidentified men.
They were on their way back to the municipal police station when they were fired upon in Sitio Paringan.
The convoy returned fire resulting to an armed confrontation and the immediate withdrawal of the suspects.
According to SSupt Edwin Wagan, Zamboanga Del Norte provincial police office chief, the firefight lasted for about five minutes.
Two police officers were reportedly wounded as a result of the gunfire—SPO2 Ernesto Ali was hit on his arm while PO1 Fahad Atani was hit on the head.
PO2 Arilon Lakim sustained bruises on his arms and body while PO1 Edgar Luyao was not hurt.
Meanwhile, two civilians who were reported to be employees of the local government who hitched a ride with the police, also sustained injuries as a result of the attack. They were identified as Rolly Rico Luyao and Asmi Osama Naing.
The victims were all brought to the Municipal Hospital in Sibuco for emergency treatment but were later transferred to Zamboanga city for further medication.
The Sibuco PNP are conducting hot pursuit operations.
CNN Philippines’ Gerg Cahilles and David Santos, and Zamboanga-based journalist Liza Jocson contributed to this report.
