Barangay captain, 5 companions killed In Zamboanga Norte town ambush

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — A barangay chairman and five of his companions were killed while two others were seriously wounded in an ambush on the outskirts of Sirawai, Zam-boanga del Norte yesterday afternoon.

The slain village official was identified as Ali Manangca of Barangay Balubuan, also in Sirawai.

Among his slain companions, who have yet to be identified, was a woman.

The six died at the scene. The wounded were taken to a hospital for treatment.

Initial investigation showed that the victims were in a Toyota Hilux with license plate TBI 268 when they were waylaid in Barangay Piña at around 3 p.m.

A police team led by Executive M/Sgt. Rymerjun Aries Pernito responded after receiving a call from a concerned citizen near the area.

Villagers told police and military personnel they heard gunshots and discovered the bullet-riddled pickup with its bloodied passengers.

Personnel of the Sirawai police, 905th Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9 and soldiers belonging to the 42nd Infantry Battalion launched pursuit operations for the suspects.