House to probe slay of Abu Sayyaf surrenderees

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives will look into the killing of three former Abu Sayyaf bandits in a law enforcement operation in Basilan on Aug. 2.

“The three had surrendered to the government. They turned their back on banditry to live normal lives as citizens. They were trying to convince their former colleagues to do likewise at the time of their senseless death,” Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman, who sought the inquiry, said.

Aljan Mande, Jamsid Mande and Radjak Ammah were killed in an alleged shootout with personnel of the police Special Action Force and National Bureau of Investigation during a raid on the house of Mande in Sitio Kasanyangan, Barangay Candiis in Hadji Muhammad Ajul town.         

“This will surely have an impact in our security campaign. It was a tragic loss that was both unnecessary and preventable,” Hataman said.

He said he received information that the raiding team did not coordinate with military officials.