4 soldiers, civilian hurt in Sayyaf attack

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits fired at an Army base in Patikul, Sulu on Sunday, leaving four soldiers and a civilian wounded.

Sgts. Ramonito Kilat and Abutallib Alling, Cpl. Junmar Lomoggo, Pfc. Rodelio Domingo and Carmina Yusop Sobejana were taken to the Camp Teodulfo Bautista Hospital for treatment.

Soldiers of the Bravo Company of the 32nd Infantry Battalion in Barangay Taglibi were preparing for a Christmas party at around 6:45 p.m. when they were attacked, Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Sulu (JTFS) commander, said.

Sobejana said around 20 bandits fired rifle grenades, triggering around 25 minutes of heavy gunfight.

He said government troops launched mortar attacks on Abu Sayyaf positions.

Sobejana said the Abu Sayyaf also suffered casualties, citing blood stains along the escape route of the bandits.

Kidnap suspect held

Meanwhile, in Zamboanga City, an Abu Sayyaf bandit wanted for kidnapping was arrested also on Sunday.

Baser Ahmad, 45, with aliases of Abu Pandak Duma and Bensar, was collared at his safehouse in Sitio Talungon, Barangay San Roque by police operatives under Chief Inspector Rolly Joaquino and the Naval Intelligence Service Group at around 11:30 a.m.

Basilan Judge Domingo Kinazo issued the warrant.

Chief Superintendent Billy Beltran, Zamboanga peninsula police director, said a motorcycle and several identification cards were recovered from Ahmad.