Rebel leader, mayor's kin slain in clash

A POLITICIAN’S relative and a “lost command” rebel leader were killed while two militiamen were wounded in a firefight in the island province of Basilan, a police official said Saturday.

Basilan Police Director Antonio Mendoza said the incident took place around 5 a.m. Saturday in Sitio Telling, Sumisip Central village in Sumisip town, Basilan province.

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Mendoza said the firefight ensued when at least 20 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) “lost command” rebels led by Abogao Bayali attacked the militiamen who are rendering security duty in the village of Central Sumisip.

Killed in the firefight was Hudan Asarul, a relative of Sumisip Mayor Haber Asarul who happened to be with the militiamen.

Mendoza said Bayali, who was critically injured during the clash, died hours after the firefight based on intelligence information they gathered. A rebel leader was also killed.

Wounded were Asarul Abdulmunir and Ahmad Kabung, both members of the militia force of Sumisip Central village.

“The militiamen are providing security to the commuters coming from Sumisip town to Maluso municipality and vice-versa,” Mendoza said.

“They serve as force multiplier,” he added, citing the militiamen assist the police and military forces in securing the place.

Bayali's group fled toward Barangay Pamatsaken following the brief firefight.

Mendoza said the police, in coordination with the military forces, strengthened the security measures in Sumisip town.