SUMISIP, Basilan — A member of the special forces was killed while another one was critically wounded after they were ambushed by unknown assailants in Barangay Mebak, Sumisip town, Basilan province on Tuesday, February 21, 2023.
Sumisip Municipal Police identified the fatality as Staff Sergeants Richard D Jesus while the wounded soldier was idntified as Roby Balbuena, all members of 14th Scout Ranger Company of the 5th Scout Ranger Battalion.
Police investigators said that Ssgt Jesus suffered a fatal gunshot wound, while Balbuena was taken to Zamboanga City for medical care.
Initial police investigation showed that the two scout rangers were riding a motorcycle on their way back to the camp when the incident happened.
The police and the military in Basilan have conducted a hot pursuit operation against suspects. – Grace Alconaba
