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21 civilians killed in suspected Abu Sayyaf ambush in Sulu
(UPDATED 9:53 p.m.) Twenty-one civilians, most of them females, were killed following an ambush by suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sulu early Monday morning, a military report said.
The report said the incident occurred about 8:30 a.m. when 50 civilians, including members of the Barangay Police Action Team and onboard two Tamaraw jeeps, were fired upon by the suspected bandits reportedly led by Idang Susukan and Sibih Pisih at the vicinity of Lower Lumapid in Talipao town.
Fourteen women and seven men were killed while eight others were seriously wounded including children and a senior citizen. Three others had minor injuries.
"The AFP condemns this heinous atrocity that victimized innocent civilians. This attack cannot be justified by any ideology and shows the Abu Sayyaf’s terroristic nature," AFP spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said.
He added that the military would continue its pursuit operations "until those responsible [were] brought to justice."
The report said the incident occurred about 8:30 a.m. when 50 civilians, including members of the Barangay Police Action Team and onboard two Tamaraw jeeps, were fired upon by the suspected bandits reportedly led by Idang Susukan and Sibih Pisih at the vicinity of Lower Lumapid in Talipao town.
Fourteen women and seven men were killed while eight others were seriously wounded including children and a senior citizen. Three others had minor injuries.
"The AFP condemns this heinous atrocity that victimized innocent civilians. This attack cannot be justified by any ideology and shows the Abu Sayyaf’s terroristic nature," AFP spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said.
He added that the military would continue its pursuit operations "until those responsible [were] brought to justice."
"In-ambush ng Abu Sayyaf kaninang umaga, iyong mga civilians, dalawang Tamaraw na civilians, iyong mga barangay police action team," said Brig. Gen. Martin Pinto, commander of the 2nd Marine Brigade.
The military official said the reason for the attack was not yet clear, but suspected that "rido" had something to do with the ambush.
"Sa ngayon, nagkaka-aksyunan, action muna kami with the barangay, sa mayor ng Talipao tsaka vice mayor so ina-assist namin," Pinto said.
Pinto said other victims of the attack have already been brought to the hospital for treatment, while government forces continued with their joint operation to pursue the armed men.
"Medyo sketchy pa, kaya hindi kami makapagbigay ng details," Pinto added. — with a report from Mark Merueñas/RSJ/NB, GMA News
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