Abu Sayyaf bandits behead retired soldier in Basilan

Abu Sayyaf bandits in Basilan have beheaded a retired soldier, whom  they abducted last Monday, a radio report said Wednesday.

Radio dzBB identified the victim as retired solider Julio Pasawa, 62. 

Grupong Abu Sayyaf, pinugutan ang isang sundalo sa lalawigan ng Basilan. #SuperBalitaSaUmagaNationwide https://t.co/z3DZeChnPa

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) August 22, 2017

According to the report, the bandits seized the victim after they attacked Barangay Tubigan in the town of Maluso, where they killed nine residents during the community's fiesta. 

Later, Pasawa was found beheaded, the dzBB report quoted Col. Juvymax Uy, commander of Joint Task Force Basilan as saying.

Pasawa was a retired Army master sergeant and an Islamic convert, the report said.

A separate report from Supt. Christopher Panapan, Basilan Police Provincial director, said the victim was 63 years old and a resident of Barangay Upper Mahayahay, Maluso, Basilan.

Meanwhile, a report from the Maluso Municipal Police Station said that Pasawa's cadaver was found in Barangay Upper Mahayhay at about 8 a.m. last Tuesday in his burnt house.  

The report said the victim was killed, beheaded, and burned with his house by alleged lawless elements or Abu Sayyaf members.

A pursuit operation is ongoing against the bandits that attacked Barangay Tubigan. —Amita Legaspi/LBG/KG, GMA News