Filipino bandit killed in suspected Abu Sayyaf members-militia firefight
Bandits try to steal a buffalo and motorcycle.
BASILAN: A suspected bandit was reportedly killed while two others escaped during a firefight between possible Abu Sayyaf Group members and militiamen in the southern Philippine province of Basilan on Sunday (Aug 6).
Police identified the fatality as Ahmad Saralun of Magcawa village, Albarka, Lamitan municipality, who died at the scene of the firefight in Balobo village, according to a report.
The bandits reportedly stole a water buffalo and tried to steal a motorcycle prior to the encounter, Lamitan police chief Lt. Col. Arlan Delumpines was reported as saying.
Villagers later sought the help of the government militia unit, the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit-Active Auxiliary, who responded and engaged the bandits in the brief gunfight.
Delumpines said Saralun’s companions fled toward the nearby Danit Puntucan village.
Authorities have yet to confirm whether the bandits were Abu Sayyaf men.
Delumpines said investigators recovered bullet shells, a machete and the remains of the water buffalo, which the bandits had slaughtered.