By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.
ZAMBOANGA CITY – A police officer was wounded while his two attackers were killed in a New Year’s Eve shootout in a west coast village here, the police said Wednesday.
Col. Kimberly Molitas, director of the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO), said the incident happened in front of the parish church in Zone 1, Barangay Ayala.
“In the advent of the new year, the ZCPO went all out in deploying its personnel for its campaign against firearms and firecrackers to ensure a safer celebration,” Molitas said in a statement.
Molitas said the incident took place in Barangay Ayala involving Senior Master Sgt. Ryan Mariano, a member of the ZCPO Station 9-Special Drug Enforcement Team, and two unidentified male suspects riding in tandem.
Mariano was on duty at the time of the attack.
Molitas said the motorcycle driver died at the scene of the shootout, while his companion was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Police investigators have yet to identify the suspects.
“His (Mariano) courageous actions exemplify the commitment of our law enforcement officers to safeguard the community even at greater risks,” Molitas said.
She also thanked ZCPO personnel for their unwavering dedication to ensuring the public’s safety and upholding justice.
“Together, we can make it a year of peace for everyone,” she said. (PNA)
