MILF commander survives gun attack in Basilan

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — A commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was unhurt while his companion was wounded in a gun attack after they attended a graduation ceremony in Lantawan, Basilan on Tuesday night.

Rajan Abdurahman, deputy commander of the MILF based in Basilan, and Harkie Jawabin Kasain, who just graduated from the Universal College, were in their car when they were shot in Barangay Colonia, Lt. Col. Arlan Delumpines, Lamitan police chief, said.

Kasain was taken to a hospital for treatment.

The motive for the shooting has yet to be determined. Probers are checking if it was related to a recent encounter of a faction of the MILF and Moro National Liberation Front members.

Police and military personnel were deployed in the area to prevent the conflict from escalating.