Army officer killed in Basilan ambush

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – An Army intelligence operative was killed while his companion was seriously wounded in an ambush believed perpetrated by suspected Abu Sayyaf men in Lamitan City, Basilan on Sunday.

Cpl. Richard Jamin died on the spot from multiple gunshot wounds,while his companion, Private First Class Joelito Sanchez, was brought to the St. Peter Hospital for treatment. Both were intelligence operatives of the 32nd Infantry Battalion based in Lamitan City. 

Chief Inspector Almer Ismael, city police chief, said the victims were on a motorcycle when they were waylaid by four gunmen shortly past noon in Barangay Ubit.

Investigators believe the suspects were members of the urban hit squad of the Abu Sayyaf.