3 killed in Tawi-Tawi firefight

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Three suspected lawless elements were killed in a firefight with Marines off Baldatal Island in Sapa-Sapa, Tawi-Tawi last Thursday morning, the military said. The soldiers’ civilian guide was wounded.

Rear Admiral Emilio Marayag, commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao Combined, said the Marines, responding to reports of armed men attacking a village, were fired at as they were approaching the island by the armed group escaping on board a pumpboat loaded with lumber. A firefight ensued, leaving the three men dead. – Roel Pareño, James Mananghaya