1 Abu Sayyaf member dies, 2 civilians wounded in attack

A SUSPECTED Abu Sayyaf member was killed while two civilian volunteers were wounded in an attack in the hinterlands of Basilan province, police said Thursday, May 25.

The police said the incident occurred around 7:20 p.m. Wednesday, May 24, in the village of Kailih Albarka, Basilan province.

The slain suspected Abu Sayyaf was not immediately identified while wounded were Bhuts Awal and Asrap Ahung, both members of the Kailih barangay peace-keeping action team (BPAT).

Awal’s left hand was amputated. He and Ahung were hospitalized in Zamboanga City.

Kailih Village chief Adbulkadir Arabain told the police that the BPAT members from his village and nearby Guinanta were having a meeting when suddenly they heard an explosion.

The explosion was caused by an M-203 grenade fired by an alleged Abu Sayyaf bandit.

The attacker died when a soldier present in the meeting of BPAT members returned fire. (SunStar Philippines)