Tuesday, March 30, 2010

3 wounded in Zamboanga hotel shootout

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Mar. 30, 2010) – Three people were wounded in a shootout Tuesday between two groups of armed men inside a hotel in Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines.

Two men were also arrested by the police in connection to the shooting inside the History Karaoke and Hotel in downtown Zamboanga. Police said the shooting occurred inside Room 415.

But it was unknown how the gunmen were able to sneak into the hotel without being detected by security guards. Police investigators said they recovered many empty bullet shells in the room.

One of those arrested by the police said they were attacked by two gunmen. It was not immediately known why police arrested him or the motive of the shootings. Investigations are going on, police said. "We were attacked. I don't know why police arrested me," he told reporters.

Other reports said the firefight resulted from a police anti-drug operation.

The shooting incidents in Zamboanga City have alarmed many citizens and so far at least 54 people had been killed in gun attacks since early this year despite a strict implementation of the gun ban. Most of the cases remain unresolved.

Guns-for-hire freely operate in Zamboanga City and recent attack had killed a prominent restaurateur. (Mindanao Examiner)

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