Civilian killed after suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits attack in Patikul, Sulu

A member of a barangay peacekeeping action team (BPAT) was killed when suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf group attacked some civilians in Patikul, Sulu on Monday. 

Citing a report from the 1102nd Infantry Brigade, the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) on Tuesday said residents of Barangay Igasan were harvesting farm products when an undetermined number of local terrorists fired shots at them. 

WestMinCom chief Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan Jr. identified the BPAT member killed as Tali Lakibul. 

Lieutenant Colonel Rafael Caido, commander of the 6th Special Forces Battalion, said the military immediately coordinated with the BPAT members of Igasan and Kabbon Takas for the recovery of the victim's body. 

The military is now conducting a hot pursuit operation to catch the local terrorists. 

Joint Task Force Sulu commander Brigadier General William Gonzales said the ASG has been "anxious" as the residents of Patikul have declared the group as persona non grata in all their municipalities. 

"Rest assured that we will enforce the full force of the law to look for the perpetrators and bring justice to the innocent victim," Gonzales said. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KG, GMA News