9 killed as suspected Abu Sayyaf members attack village in Basilan

Nine people were killed and 10 others were hurt after armed men believed to be Abu Sayyaf group members attacked a village in Maluso, Basilan, early Monday.

Chief Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac, ARMM regional police director, said 30 to 50 armed men attacked Barangay Tubigan at around 5:30 a.m.

Sindac said the armed men shot civilians and torched houses and a day care center in the village.

“Nine killed, 10 wounded. Not yet confirmed kung ASG,” he said in a text message to GMA News Online.

Superintendent Christopher Panapan, Basilan provincial police director, identified the fatalities as Radzma Arakani, Radsma Hassan, Camina dela Cruz, Reynaldo Esparcia, Marktan Jalad, Ajid Aminulla,  Ryan Joplo, Baby Arakani, and Andok Haikin Kato.

Injured were Lokaya Arakani, Joey dela Cruz, Julhari Arajani, Mariam dela Cruz, Jessie dela Cruz, Tarhata Arakani, Solo Arakani, Abel Laping, Roderick Villarin, and Grace Fernandez.

Joint police and military pursuit operations have been launched against the bandits. —with a report from Sam Nielsen/ALG/KVD, GMA News