Abus killed 3 hostages to avenge 2 comrades' slay

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Abu Sayyaf rebels apparently executed their three hostages to avenge the death of two of their comrades in an encounter with government troops in Sumisip, Basilan last Friday, police said.

Senior Superintendent Antonio Mendoza, Basilan police director, said the Abu Sayyaf group led by Puruji Indama killed Claudio Mañanita, Rolando Francisco Jr., and Dariel Quintella last Friday afternoon after they encountered elements of the 13th Scout Ranger Company.

Two bandits were killed and several others were wounded during the encounter in Barangay Baiwas, Sumisip town.

“On their retreat they shot anybody on their path, including the three hostages who were killed in Barangay Sukaten, Sumisip at around 5 p.m.,” Mendoza said.

The bodies of the three captives were found by villagers in Sitio Bohe Suhaye, Barangay Sukaten, authorities said.

The military, however, cited reports that the bandits shot their hostages as they tried to run away.

Lt. Steffani Cacho, spokesman of Western Mindanao Command, said the Scout Rangers were on combat patrol when they encountered the Abu Sayyaf group in Sitio Pansul, Barangay Guiong Friday morning, triggering a firefight that lasted for more than an hour.

Two Scout Ranger teams blocking the retreating bandits suffered two wounded who were immediately airlifted to Camp Navarro General Hospital here.

Mendoza said the bullet-riddled bodies of the three hostages were recovered by elements of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 7 and turned over to their respective families.

Basilan Bishop Martin Jumoad condemned the execution and called on government forces to put a stop to the Abu Sayyaf’s barbarism.