Kidnap suspect evades arrest

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — A suspect in a kidnapping case escaped while his three companions were arrested in a coastal village here on Saturday, security officials said.

Kadil Asalin, alias Tatay, fled through the backdoor as a team from the city police and Joint Task Force Zamboanga was about to serve a warrant for his arrest at his residence in Sitio Banghouse, Barangay Taluksangay, according to Chief Inspector Helen Galvez, spokesperson for Police Regional Office 9.

One of Asalin’s three companions reportedly pulled out a gun, but was prevented by the security officers.

Galvez identified those arrested as Mukaram Daud Sapii, 20; Abdula Sapii, 47, and Omar Asakil, 20.

Reports said the team recovered from the suspects an improvised explosive device, a grenade and a .45 caliber pistol.

Army troopers and police officers have been deployed to pursue Asalin, Galvez said.