Senior Supt. Jose Bayani Gucela, Zamboanga Sibugay police director, said the shootout occurred when the carnappers opened fire while policemen were verifying the reported robbery of a motorcycle by unidentified gunmen around 1:30 p.m. Saturday in Barangay Tenan.
Gucela said combined elements of the Zamboanga Sibugay Public Safety Company and 44th Infantry Battalion, upon receipt of report, reinforced the policemen from Ipil as the firefight raged.
He said the gunmen set ablaze five houses. As a result, a police patrol car was also burned.
He said a soldier was killed during the clash.[]
His complete name has not been made available.
He said the gunmen managed to escape and are being tracked down by policemen in coordination with the military.[]