2 Abu surrenderees, MNLF fighter killed in Basilan

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Two former Abu Sayyaf bandits and a member of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) were killed in an alleged shootout with law enforcers in Sitio Kasanyangan, Barangay Candiis Mohammad Ajul, Basilan yesterday.

Mayor Ibrahim Ballaho identified the fatalities as Ajan Mande and his brother Jamsid, both Abu Sayyaf surrenderees, and Rajak Manguma, a regular MNLF member.

Mande is said to be the target of the raid, but Ballaho said they are not aware of the charges.

Ballaho said the raid was also not coordinated with local officials. “They just arrived. We just learned it now and we are still verifying that it’s a team of NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) and SAF (Special Action Force) from Zamboanga City,” he said.

Ballaho said four others, including a retired soldier and a militiaman, were arrested.