3 dead, 1 hurt in clan war in Basilan

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - At least three civilians were killed while another was wounded in ambush Saturday by 20 gunmen in a remote village in Tipo-Tipo town, Basilan, according to the military Monday.

Capt. Jefferson Mamauag, spokesman of army’s 1st Division, identified the fatalities as Amir Saribin, 21; Halim Randa, 18; and Hadji Alih Ibrahim, 38; while the wounded victim was Haber Cuevas who was brought to the hospital in Isabela City for treatment.

Lt. Col. Cristobal Julian Paolo Perez, commander of 18th Infantry Battalion, said the four victims were aboard a jeepney from Barangay Bohe Lebbung, Tipo-Tipo town and on their way to Lamitan city when they were ambushed about 7:30 a.m. Saturday by gunmen in the vicinity at sitio Lebac, Barangay Bohe Baca.

Responding troops failed to catch up with the attackers who immediately retreated.

Perez said further investigation disclosed that the motive of the ambush was "rido" (clan war).

Perez said troops have been deployed  on the ground to prevent possible hostility between the feuding clans in the area.

Meanwhile, a joint military and non-government organization medical and dental mission will be conducted in the town of Ungkaya Pukan  town Tuesday.

Perez said the NGO and the civilians in the area will also hold the ground-breaking for the construction of a footbridge which the civilian community initiated.