PNP mourns death of Sulu police chief

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police on Friday mourned the death of its Sulu provincial chief who died in a reported encounter with Abu Sayyaf bandits Thursday in southern Philippines. In a radio interview, PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome lauded Senior Superintendent Julasirim Kasim for remaining at the frontline despite nearing retirement. "Nakakalungkot talaga kasi si Col. Kasim, 55 years old na ito, nasa frontline pa rin, pumupunta pa rin sa frontline. Napakasipag, napaka-active, napakaliksi [It is sad to lose Col. Kasim, considering he is nearing retirement age at 55 yet stayed at the frontlines. That shows how hardworking and active he is]," Bartolome said in an interview on dzXL radio. Kasim and four of his men were killed in an encounter with the Abu Sayyaf Thursday. Bartolome insisted the incident was an encounter and not an ambush, adding Kasim had several reinforcements with him at the time. He added Kasim took to heart PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa's directive to stomp out crime in their areas of responsibility. Kasim was killed in an encounter in Bulabog village in Maimbung town about 1:30 p.m. Thursday. Also killed in the clash were five suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits, including local commander Sakul Sahil. - GMANews.TV