4 killed, 2 hurt in Sulu gun attack

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines  – Four members of a family, including three minors, were killed while two others were wounded when a man and his two companions strafed the house of his former wife’s relatives in Banguingui town, Sulu before dawn yesterday.

The suspect, identified as a certain Asan, was reportedly demanding the return of the dowry he paid to the family when he married his wife.

The man and his companions were reportedly armed with M-16 Armalites when they arrived at the victims’ house in Barangay Sigumbal at around 1 a.m., according to Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, chief of the Joint Task Group Sulu. 

The fatalities were identified as Junaid Ayyub, 52, and his relatives Auja, 16, Almasin, 10, and Adzar Sanani, 3.

Taken to the hospital in this city for treatment of gunshot wounds were Alnaid Ayyub, 15, and Rena Ayyub, 9. 

Case investigator Police Office 3 Sherwin Ladja said the suspects, residents of Omar town in mainland Sulu, came to the island village to ask for the return of the dowry.

Ladja said investigators have yet to find out if the dowry was in the form of cash or kind, or how much its value.