Suspected bandit leader killed in Zamboanga clash

Government security forces pursuing the abductors of a Japanese treasure hunter in Sulu killed over the weekend a suspected bandit leader linked to kidnapping activities in southern Philippines, a statement from the Philippine National Police (PNP) said. The police statement identified the fatality as Jun Akilan, reportedly one of the leaders of the Pingli/Akilan kidnap-for-ransom group operating in Zamboanga City and other nearby towns. Akilan was killed following a Sunday morning clash with security forces in Sacol Island off the Zamboanga Peninsula. Reports reaching PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa revealed that the bandit group was monitored in the area and reportedly planning to stage kidnapping of several identified targets in their area of operation. The PNP statement, however, did not include the specific kidnapping incidents where Akilan's group were supposedly involved in. At present, authorities are determining whether the Pingli/Akilan group is involved in last Friday's abduction of Katayama Mamaito in Sulu. On Sunday, the military said it has already identified the leader of the group behind Mamaito's abduction. Officials, however, refused to disclose the identity of the kidnap group's leader. (See: Main suspect in latest Sulu abduction identified) Mamaito was seized by a group of 10 men at Sitio Bas, Barangay Bangkilay in Pangutaran town around 1 p.m. last Friday. Other reports identified him as Toshio Ito. — RSJ/KBK, GMANews.TV