Chop-chop murder suspect shot dead

JOLO, Sulu — An alleged member of the Abu Sayyaf Group was killed while nine police officers were wounded, including three senior police officers, during a nearly three-hour clash in Barangay Siet Higad, Panamao, Sulu.

Police and military operatives were about to serve a warrant of arrest against the suspect at about 2:30 a.m. yesterday when a firefight erupted and lasted until 5 a.m., P/Col. John Francis Encinareal said.

Encinareal identified the slain suspect as Muksidal A. Jumadil, a resident of Barangay Kamindus, Luuk, Sulu, and temporarily residing in Barangay Siet Higad, Panamao, Sulu.

Jumadil was the primary suspect in the brutal killing of Nurdija Dammang Aminiddin, a small-town businesswoman in Barangay Kanmindus, Luuk, according to Encinareal.

Jumadil killed Dammang, and her body was cut into small pieces and found scattered in different locations in the village.

A case for murder was filed against Jumadil and is still pending at the office of the Provincial Prosecutor's Office.

The wounded police officers were identified as P/Capt. Nolie L. Agmaliw, P/Lt. Jhorlino Rico D. Apal, and P/Lt. Jose Earl Abdurajan III.

Also wounded were Pat. Lionel A. Suarverdez, P/Cpl. Reymir M. Subion, P/Cpl. Lindo M. Macua, Pat. Edison Ray D. Paris, P/Cpl. Oliver R. Alviar, and P/Cpl. Andres G. Dalang.

Jumadil was facing charges for violating RA 10591, or Illegal Possession of Firearms and Ammunition, with a P200,000 bail bond.

Recovered at the encounter site were one unit M14 rifle, one piece bandolier, five M14 magazines, and a total of 65 live 7.62 bullets.

Two body-worn cameras (with Boblov serial numbers LYY1127 and 1234567890 of CIDG Sulu PFU were used during the operation, Encinareal said.