4 hurt in Zambo ambush

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Four persons, including two police officers, were wounded in an ambush by unidentified armed men in Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte shortly before noon yesterday.

Senior Police Officer 2 Berhay Ali and Police Officer 1 Atani Fahad, along with civilians Rolly Rico Luyao and Asmi Osama Naing, were in a newly issued Mahindra patrol jeep when they were ambushed at around 11 a.m. in Sitio Maturi, Barangay Sto. Niño.

Reports said the civilians, both casual employees of the municipal government, hitched a ride with the police officers, who were headed back to their station.

Chief Inspector Rogelio Alabata, spokesman for the Police Regional Office 9, said the officers managed to retaliate, prompting the assailants to flee.