A MEMBER of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) in Patikul, Sulu was killed when suspected terrorists fired at civilians on Monday afternoon, October 5, 2020.

The fatality was identified as Tali Lakibul.

Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan, commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom), said Tuesday, October 6, 2020, that residents of Barangay Igasan were harvesting their crops when armed men fired at them.

Vinluan said troops were immediately deployed in the area to establish a blockade along the possible withdrawal route of the suspected terrorists.

"The LTG (local terrorist group) is anxious because the people of Patikul have declared the group as persona non-grata in the municipality that is why they create havoc to demonstrate their power," said JTF Sulu Commander William Gonzales.

The Patikul Municipal Government declared the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) persona non grata following the August 24, 2020 twin explosions in Jolo, Sulu which was believed to have been perpetrated by ASG leader Mundi Sawadjaan. (Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo/SunStar Philippines)