ZAMBOANGA City policemen on Friday morning raided a suspected crime gang hideout in Lamisahan and were forced to shoot one of their targets when the latter started firing a them, Philippine National Police (PNP) Officer-in-Charge, Lieutenant General Vicente D. Danao Jr. said Sunday.

Jainal Assan, the 35-year old target of the raid in Lamisahan, Zamboanga City was shot on his left thigh and left arm during the brief firefight and was taken to a local hospital for treatment under police guard, said the top cop.

Danao said members of the Zamboanga City Police Office were about to serve a search warrant for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulations Act of 2013 issued against the suspect by a local court when he violently resisted.

The suspect reportedly fired shots at members of the SWAT team about to enter his residence prompting the lawmen to retaliate.

Recovered from the subdued suspect’s possession were one caliber .45 semi-automatic pistol with a magazine containing several live ammunition. A search of the place also led to the confiscation of a sling bag with several medium-sized plastic sachets containing some P340,000 worth of suspected shabu and an improvised blasting cap with a time fuse.

“When the suspect acted violently, our personnel had to defend themselves. He was armed, as clearly seen from the inventory recovered pieces of evidence,” Danao said.

The PNP-OIC said a hot pursuit operation launched by the local police likewise led to the arrest of 45-year old Salam Salasim who was found in possession of a revolver with five live ammunition.

The suspect is now being held at the local police jail. He and Assan will be facing charges for violation of Ra 10591. Assan will also be facing non-bailable charges for illegal possession of drugs and explosive.

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Alfred P. Dalizon