MILF executes Zamboanga miners

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Gunmen believed to be members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front executed five gold miners in a remote village of Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte, the police confirmed here yesterday.

The police learned of the incident just over the weekend after one of the victims survived the execution at Sitio Rancho Chonggo, Barangay Lakiki, according to the city police office here.

Senior Superintendent Mario Yanga, city police director, said survivor Mark Endino, who was wounded, narrated the incident and pinpointed the MILF rebels on the execution early Sunday.

Endino identified his murdered companions as his father Benjamin, Joel de la Cruz, and brothers’ Andy and Jonas Balente. The victims were all residents of Sitio Sibutad, Barangay Curuan, an east coast village 60 kms. from this city.

The survivor said he and his four companions ascended to the mountain border of this city and Sibuco to pan for gold last week when they were attacked by the rebels.

Mark said they were hogtied, hacked and shot.

The survivor, although wounded, managed to escape and sought the help of villagers nearby, who in turn, brought him to the hospital.

Police here said that initial information showed the murdered victims were reportedly buried by the suspects at Sitio Binawak, just within the vicinity of Barangay Lakiki.      – Roel Pareño