Five officers apprehended for rogue shooting

AMBON, Maluku (JP): Soldiers from a special joint security force apprehended on Monday morning five police and military officers who allegedly shot at them as they were trying to quell riots which had claimed the lives of 10 people.

Pattimura Military Commander Brig. Gen. I Made Yasa revealed later in the day that four of the alleged snipers were military officers while the fifth was a policeman.

He claimed that they "were caught red-handed at Wijaya II Hotel around 5 a.m. local time. Their guns were still hot and thin smoke was also coming out of the muzzle."

They were identified as Maj. Nurdin Nontji of Pattimura Military Command and three members of the Maluku Police force -- Comr. Ricky Paays, Second Insp. Syaifuddin Amsa and one mentioned only as Second Insp. A.

The fifth person was identified as Adj. Sr. Comr. J. Saragih who reportedly should have been transferred to Jakarta.

All are being detained at Maluku Military Police headquarters in Batu Gajah.

"The five were holding guns in alert positions when the troops raided and paralyzed them. We seized 11 guns ranging from SS-1s, Roger Minis, revolvers, FNs and hundreds of rounds of ammunition and crystal metamphetamine Shabu," Yasa said.

The five had allegedly shot at soldiers in a security post located about 100 meters from the hotel while the soldiers were exchanging fire with rioters.

"During gunfights a sniper suddenly fired at the troops from a different direction. It came from the Hotel Wijaya building which is only about 100 meters away from the security post," Yasa explained.

One officer was injured after being shot by sniper fire and rushed to Dr. Latumeten Army Hospital for treatment.

Besides the five officers, another 18 hotel members of staff are also being questioned at the military police headquarters. Another officer who happened to stay at the hotel, Comr. Abdi Darma Sitepu, was released later in the day.

Maluku Police chief Brig. Gen. Firman Gani said Abdi Dharma was about to be appointed as chief of Police's Mobile Brigade and was not involved in the shooting.

"Adj. Sr. Comr. Saragih had actually been assigned from Maluku to the National Police headquarters (in Jakarta) three months ago. I'm surprised that he is still here," Firman said.

According to witnesses the five apprehended officers were transferred to the military police around 8 a.m. on Monday, they were said to be black-and-blue with bruises.

"Legal procedures against the five officers will continue. But as Maj. Nurdin Nontji's direct superior I'll recommend for him to be dismissed. But ultimately it's up to the military court," Yasa said.

Around Ambon school business activities were halted due to continuous gunfights on Monday.

As of 4 p.m. local time the area of Batu Gantung and Trikora were blockaded by security forces.

Yasa asserted that as long as rioters continued to open fire, security forces will take firm measures.

"How dare the rioters attack authorities posts without clear reasons? We will continue our neutral and firm action no matter who the culprits are," Yassa added. (49/edt)