ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Authorities have recovered the remains of nine fishermen, including a minor, who were killed by pirates on Christmas Day.
Police said the victims were among 11 Badjaos residing in Barangay Sangali here who went to fish aboard three motorized bancas in the waters of Talusan and Payao towns in Zamboanga Sibugay, but were intercepted by pirates.
Two of them managed to escape and sought the help of authorities.
PO3 Arnel Sogradiel, team leader of the community police action center in Barangay Manicahan, said fishermen found six of the nine victims tied up and their decomposing bodies bearing bullet wounds on a half-submerged outrigger banca off Barangay Manicahan last Friday afternoon.
The bodies of two other slain Badjaos were found in another boat drifting near the shore of Barangay Busay on Sacol Island, just across Manicahan village, yesterday morning.
Police said villagers recovered on Friday the body of the last victim in the adjacent coastal village of Bolong.
Barangay Sangali chief Daud Kalil said the victims’ remains were positively identified by their families.