4 killed, 2 wounded as gunmen strafe jeepney

Manila, Philippines -  Police said four people were killed while two others were wounded when gunmen opened fire on a packed passenger jeepney in Jolo, Sulu early Tuesday.

The attackers began shooting as the vehicle approached Parang town, a known stronghold of al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf rebels.

Reports reaching Camp Crame identified the victims as Army Cpl. Persing Mijan,30; Nurhaimi Mijan, 28; Hja JUmanum Palahuddin, 90; and Bismun Lukman.

 Senior Superintendent Antonio Freyra, Sulu provincial police commander, said the gunmen also took the firearm of the slain soldier.

Freyra said three other passengers managed to jump and scamper for safety when the gunmen opened fire.  

 He said police have launched a manhunt for the suspects.

Police are checking reports that the motive behind the attack could be robbery or clan war.

A military report earlier said militants have launched more attacks in the last four years despite US-backed offensives because authorities failed to isolate them from supporters.

– Cecille Suerte Felipe, Roel Pareño, AP