SAF commando, suspect killed in Basilan shootout

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — A member of the police Special Action Force (SAF) and a murder suspect were killed in a shootout in Lamitan, Basilan on Tuesday.

Brig. Gen. Eden Ugale, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region police director, identified the fatalities as Cpl. Nizar Alijam and Jerry Harayin.

Another SAF commando, Sgt. Sabas Banatao, was wounded along with 15-year-old passerby Hadid Hamdan.

The SAF team was reportedly about to serve a warrant for Harayin at his hideout in Baranga Baas when the suspect opened fire.

Maj. Nurhaib Bungkac, Lamitan police chief, said Harayin was ranked fifth among the most wanted persons in Lamitan.— Roel Pareño