Marines kill ASG ‘coddler’ in Sulu gunfight

An alleged Abu-Sayyaf Group (ASG) "coddler" was killed during a short gun-battle with Marine Battalion Landing Team 1 in Sulu province's Luuk town Saturday morning, the Philippine Marine Corps reported in a statement.

The Marine unit, which was operating in Barangay Tubi Puti due to a report from a concerned local, was allegedly fired at by the suspect at 5:10 a.m.

The fatality was later identified as barangay resident Muksidin A Dadil.

Among the items recovered from the scene were a rifle magazine, seven 7.62 mm rounds, two 7.62 mm shells, two .30 caliber rounds, combat webbing with 14 magazine pouches, four uniforms, two  cellphones without simcards, and three identification cards.

The recovered body was turned over to Barangay Tubig Puti's officer-in-charge for proper disposition.

The Philippine Marine Ready Force-Sulu commander Col. Armel S. Tolato applauded his Marines and thanked the local community for their trust and cooperation.

“We welcome those who want to return to the fold of the law and live normal lives. But for those who choose otherwise, we will relentlessly pursue them”, said Col. Tolato. — DVM, GMA News