2 suspects in Pagadian City broadcaster's death killed, 1 captured

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Two suspects in the ambush that killed a Pagadian City broadcaster were killed in a pursuit operation by police and military units in Zamboanga del Sur on Saturday night. 

Another suspect was captured, security forces said.

A police officer was also wounded during the encounter at Barangay Langapud in Labangan town, said Chief Inspector Helen Galvez, spokesperson of Police Regional Office 9 here.

Galvez said the encounter was related to the ambush that Saturday afternoon that left Carlos Arapos Matas, a retired soldier and volunteer broadcaster of radio DxCA FM radio based in Pagadian City, dead.

READ: Pagadian-based broadcaster killed

Galvez said Matas died in an ambush along the highway at barangay Noburan, Labangan town by four unidentified gunmen who escaped towards Barangay Langapud in the same town.

Maj. Ronald Suscano, spokesman of the 1st Infantry Division, said forces from Joint Task Force ZamPeLan and local police from Labangan town immediately launched a pursuit operation.

He said troops under 53rd Infantry Battalion and police personnel engaged the the gunmen late Saturday night.

Senior Inspector Aiko Teroro was wounded during the encounter and was brought to Hofileña Hospital in Pagadian City for treatment.

The remains of the two slain suspects were brought to Labangan municipal police station for proper disposition. The suspect who was arrested was also brought to the station for medical attention.

Authorities will not release the identities of the suspects until the investigation into Matas' death is completed.