Al-Barka ambushers face rob raps

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines  – The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) is set to file additional charges of robbery against Moro rebels and militants who killed 19 soldiers and wounded 15 others in Al-Barka, Basilan last month.

Senior Superintendent Generoso Bonifacio, CIDG-Region 9 director, said they have included in the investigation the missing firearms of the slain and wounded soldiers.

Bonifacio said they are just waiting for the inventory of the firearms being conducted by the Armed Forces before filing the case of robbery.

A senior military official said at least 25 high-powered firearms, including special weapons for assault, were taken from the fallen and wounded soldiers following the ambush in Sitio Bakisung, Barangay Cambug in Al-Barka town.

The CIDG earlier had filed charges of multiple murder and frustrated murder. It is just awaiting the issuance of arrest warrants for 13 Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Abu Sayyaf leaders and 300 John Does in connection with the ambush.