Manhunt on for Abu Sayyaf bandits behind Sulu ambush

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – A manhunt is ongoing for the Abu Sayyaf bandits who killed the police director of Sulu and three others in an ambush the other day, authorities said.

Malacañang condemned the killing of Senior Superintendent Julasirim Kasim, his brother Raslin and two police escorts – SPO3 Asbi Juammahari and SPO3 Abdurajan – and ordered security forces to apply “reasonable force” against the perpetrators.

“We strongly condemn the treacherous death of our provincial police commander in Sulu, a Tausug, which normally is unthinkable that it could happen in the hands of his fellow tribesmen,” said Press Secretary Cerge Remonde.

“An order has been issued for the conduct of pursuit operations and (these are) now in full swing,” said Chief Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome, spokesman of the Philippine National Police.

Chief Superintendent Bensali Jabarani, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao police director, has installed Kasim’s deputy, Senior Superintendent Bienvenido Latag, as the new police director of Sulu. 

Jabarani said Abu Sayyaf leader Sakul Sahil and four of his followers were killed in the firefight that ensued following the ambush in Barangay Bulabog, Maimbung town.

He said he has directed Latag to relentlessly pursue the ambushers and the Abu Sayyaf group still holding captive Italian Red Cross volunteer Eugenio Vagni.

Vagni’s fellow hostages – Filipina Mary Jean Lacaba and Swiss Andreas Notter – were recovered last April 2 and 18, respectively. All three were kidnapped in Jolo last Jan.15.

“While we deeply mourned the death of our police commander and his three (companions), there will be no stopping our police action against the Abu Sayyaf,” he said.

Jabarani is set to fly to Jolo to posthumously honor Kasim and his police escorts.

He said they would extend all the needed assistance to their families. – With Jaime Laude and Marvin Sy