Yagami Website

MANILA, Philippines - A militiaman was killed while 2 others were wounded during an encounter with lawless elements in a village in Sumisip, Basilan Saturday dawn.

Members of the Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgu) were reportedly conducting patrol in Sitio Telling when they were attacked by joint Abu Sayyaf and lawless groups around 5 a.m.

Basilan Provincial Police Office Chief Senior Superintendent Tony Mendoza identified the fatality as one Hadan Asarul. The wounded were identified as Ahmad Kabung and Abdulmunir Asarul.

Mendoza disclosed that the victims were relatives of Sumisip Mayor Haber Asarul. He clarified however that the mayor was not in the area at the time of the incident.

The attack was allegedly perpetrated by Abugao Bayali, commander of an MILF lost command in Sumisip. Bayali was said to be involved in a series of kidnappings in the province.

Meanwhile, the military is still verifying reports that a Cafgu enlisted personnel was also wounded in the firefight.