SAF Policeman From Besao, Mt. Province Killed In A Firefight In Zamboanga Del Norte

A police commando from Lacmaan, Besao, Mt. Province was killed during an operation to capture the leader of a group of bandits in Zamboanga Del Norte, early morning on Wednesday (April 13). The slain policeman who was a member of the Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police was identified as Police Officer 2 Alejandro D. Gapongli.

Also killed during the operation was Omar Arasi, the subject of the operation and the leader of a local group of bandits. One unidentified member of the crime group also died while another one named Salim Abdul Hassan was arrested.

According to the Labason Police Office, joint personnel of the Regional Intelligence Unit 9 PNP IG (RIU9), 55SAB PNP SAF, RID PRO 9, Provincial Intelligence Branch (PIB) of ZNPPO, Regional Public Safety Battalion 9 (RPSB9) and Labason Municipal Police Station were at Lemon, Salvacion in the town of Labason to serve a warrant of arrest against Arasi and his group. The bandits resisted and a firefight ensued and lasted for about 30 minutes. PO2 Gapongli was hit in the body during the shootout.

PO2 Gapongli is an alumnus of Saint James High School in Besao, Mt. Province. He graduated from said school in 2001. He is known among family and friends by his nickname Alda.

Photo courtesy of the Labason Police Office.