3 policemen hurt in Sulu mistaken encounter

ZAMBOANGA CITY , Philippines– Three police officers were wounded in an alleged mistaken encounter with members of the civilian volunteers organization (CVO) yesterday in Luuk town, Sulu. 

The police officers led by Sulu police director Senior Superintendent Abraham Orbita were on a convoy when they noticed a group of armed men occupying a former Marine detachment in Barangay Tandu Bato, according to Col. Jose Gabrile Cenabre, head of the Joint Task Force Sulu and 2nd Marine Brigade.

A brief exchange of fire broke out between the policemen and the armed men who turned out to be pro-government volunteers of the municipality.

Cenabre said no one was hurt from the volunteers. 

“It was a mistake as the armed men were CVOs. It was unfortunate that they were not immediately recognized,” Cenabre said.

He said Orbita’s men and some Marine personnel were going around the province to settle a clan war when the incident occurred. 

The wounded police officers were taken to a military hospital at the Kuta Heneral Teodolfo Bautista in Barangay Busbus, Jolo for treatment.