Abu bandit tagged in kidnapping slain

ZAMBOANGA CITY – An Abu Sayyaf bandit was killed in an alleged shootout with government troopers in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi on Tuesday.

Rear Admiral Rene Medina, Naval Forces Western Mindanao, identified the fatality as Shaifful Julaili.

Medina said Julaili refused to pull over at a checkpoint in Barangay Lapid-Lapid and shot it out with police and military personnel.

Julaili was tagged in kidnappings in the waters off Tawi-Tawi and Sabah.

Meanwhile, authorities are checking reports that Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Idang Susukan, who was among those wounded in a military offensive in Barangay Kabbon Takas, Patikul last week, has died.