Cops foil kidnap try on Sulu teachers

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Two police officers were wounded in an encounter with Abu Sayyaf bandits in what was believed to be an attempt to kidnap a group of teachers in Patikul, Sulu yesterday.

The police officers were escorting the teachers when around 10 bandits attacked them in Barangay Kan Ague at about 8:30 a.m.

The wounded police officers were evacuated to the Integrated Provincial Health Office and Sulu Hospital for treatment. 

Col. Gerry Besana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) spokesman, said the bandits also suffered casualties, citing bloodstains on their escape route.

On Simisa Island’s Sitio Halu-Halu in Barangay Bakaan, an Abu Sayyaf bandit was killed in a clash with soldiers at around 8:31 a.m. also yesterday.

The military said the body of the bandit and his M1 Carbine rifle were recovered at the scene.

“We believe that a number of the bandits were wounded... Our troops are still pursuing them as of this report,” Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, Westmincom chief, said.