Gunmen kill 9 Badjaos in Zamboanga

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Gunmen killed at least nine Badjao tribesmen and wounded two more in an attack in waters off Olutanga Island in Zamboanga Sibugay, on Wednesday.

Police learned of the attack after the two injured victims, who surived the attack after playing dead, were brought by their relatives to the Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC).

Senior Police Inspector Noel Lozano, commander of the Police Station 3 in Barangay Sangali, identified the wounded survivors as Muksin and Loli Ambasal, both fishermen and residents of the said village.

Investigation disclosed that the victims, who belonged with the Muslim tribe Badjao and residents of Barangay Sangali, went on a fishing venture in waters off Talusan town in Olutanga Island on Tuesday on  board three motorized pumpboats.

Police Officer 1 John Mark Delallana, desk on duty, said the two survivors told them that a group of men armed with automatic rifles intercepted and fired at them.

“The two survivors who were wounded played dead. After sensing the attackers have left, they jumped and swam using the cover of Styrofoam as floaters,” Delallana said.

The police have yet to determine the motive for the attack and the identities of the attackers.