3 SAF killed, 3 wounded in Sulu ambush

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Three members of the elite police Special Action Force (SAF) were killed while three others were wounded in an ambush in a remote town of Sulu yesterday afternoon.

Sulu provincial police commander Senior Superintendent Antonio Freyra confirmed the ambush that occurred at about 3:30 p.m in Omar town.

Police said elements of the 5th SAF detailed as security escorts of the mayor of Omar municipality and some civilians were on board their service vehicle when unidentified men fired at them in the vicinity of Barangay Lahing-Lahing.

Three of the SAF escorts were instantly killed while three civilians were wounded.

Freyra said the remaining police force with the group returned fire and repulsed the gunmen.

Those wounded were rushed to the provincial hospital for treatment while the slain SAF members were brought to their headquarters in Sulu.

Police were still trying to determine which group was responsible for the attack.