2 gang leaders nabbed in Zamboanga Sibugay

Two suspected leaders of a lawless group were arrested Tuesday by security forces in Zamboanga Sibugay.

The suspects, identified as Munib Aukasa and Abraham Janjalani, were nabbed in barangay Langon in Tungawan town by members of the 44th battalion, 6th Special Forces battalion and the local police.

Maj. Edgardo Amores, spokesman of the Army’s 1st division, said Aukasa was one of the most wanted persons in Zamboanga Sibugay. Two caliber .45 pistols and a hand grenade were recovered from the suspects.

Aukasa is facing various criminal cases including murder and highway robbery. He is tagged in the killing of two soldiers in 2008 and the burning of a Rural Transit bus in 2011.

The suspect is also implicated in five murders, three frustrated murders, five highway robberies, nine shooting incidents, three arsons and one abduction from January 2010 to June 2012. The suspects are now under the custody of the Tungawan police station.

“With their arrest, peace of mind to the residents and traveling public in Zamboanga Sibugay will reign and soon justice will be served,” said Maj. Gen.  Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, chief of the Army’s 1st division. – Alexis Romero