Priest survives ambush

ZAMBOANGA CITY – A Roman Catholic priest survived an ambush yesterday but four of his escorts were wounded when gunmen, believed to be Abu Sayyaf rebels, attacked them in the hinterlands of Sumisip, Basilan, the military said here.

Fr. Filemon Libot, his Marine bodyguard and civilian volunteer escorts were on board their service car when they were ambushed at about 1 p.m. in Barangay Upper Kabengbeng, Sumisip town.

The priest was bound for Tumahubong, an uphill village, to prepare for Mass today’s when his group was attacked.

“Fr. Libot was unhurt except for minor bruises on the arm, but four of his escorts were wounded,” a military source said.

One of the priest’s escorts retaliated, resulting in a brief firefight and prompting the gunmen to withdraw toward the mountain. – Roel Pareño, Evelyn Macairan