Abus tagged in Basilan traders' ambush

ZAMBOANGA CITY , Philippines -  Police authorities tagged the Abu Sayyaf as behind the ambush and killing of five merchants and an Imam (Muslim preacher) as guide in a town of Basilan province late Monday, according to reports. 

This developed as relatives of the slain Imam retaliated and killed a family of the Abu Sayyaf suspect, police said. 

Chief Superintendent Bienvenido Latag, police director for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao said the ambush was a desperate attempt of the Abu Sayyaf militants to avenge the death of their comrades who were killed in an encounter last Sunday. 

Latag said they have already identified the Abu Sayyaf rebels behind the ambush of Barangay Buton, Mohammad Ajul town. 

The victims were identified as Samuel Gumanam, a native of Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur; Nestor Bagares, Larry Bagares, William Tecson, and Ajanulla Talib Tahira, an Imam who served as guide for the group.

“The Abu Sayyaf were responsible in the ambush and we have already filed cases against those involved. The attack on the merchants could be a desperate move of the militants to avenge the death of their comrades,” Latag said.

The victims were traveling on board their rented mini-truck, with all their upholstery and various merchandise, when they were strafed about 2:30 p.m. at Sitio Tambulig. Five of the victims died while another was wounded and survived the ambush. 

Senior Superintendent Cristeto Rey Gonzalodo, Basilan provincial police commander, said the wounded victim was identified as Alexander Balaba, who suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was immediately brought to St. Peter Hospital in Lamitan town for treatment.

Witnesses and police said that the suspects divested the victims of their money and their merchandise before escaping toward an unknown direction.

Police forces who responded failed to catch up with the suspects believed to be members of the Abu Sayyaf group.

The police retrieved the remains of the five killed victims and were brought to the local funeral home in Isabela City for disposition.

As this developed, relatives of the slain Imam retaliated and attacked the relatives of the Abu Sayyaf suspects hours after the am­bush in the shoreline of Barangay Sironggon.

The victim was identified as Mamud Jumdani.

Police said the victim was fishing when he was strafed with bullets by the relative of Tahira. 

Police and military forces were stationed in the area to avert the incident from spilling into rido, a local term for clans war.  – With AP