ZAMBOANGA CITY — A policeman and three teachers were hurt in an ambush in Barangay Maasin, Zamboanga City past 7 a.m. Wednesday.

Police investigation showed that PO2 Nurhasan Arasa and three other policemen were escorting teachers in Sitio Cabigan when two armed men suddenly fired shots at their convoy and allegedly tried to abduct the teachers.

Arasa sustained gunshot wounds on his chest and legs while Cabigan Elementary School Principal Olga Guevarra, her husband Leroy and teacher Marissa Murayao sustained scratches after accidentally bumping into the motorcycles of the police officers.

The victims were rushed to Zamboanga City Medical Center for treatment.

Police said the two suspects, one of them identified as Arbi Francisco who is a native of Basilan, were not injured in the encounter.

A hot pursuit operation has been launched against the suspects.