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Abu Sayyaf kill 5 in Sulu
Suspected Abu Sayyaf gunmen attacked a group of farm workers on the island of Sulu, killing at least five people, including an infant, and wounding four others, military officials said on Friday.Officials said the gunmen, clad in camouflage uniform, raided the farm early Friday morning in the remote village of Liang, Patikul. "Five people are confirmed dead and four others are also wounded in the attack," said Brig. Gen. Alexander Aleo, the islands military chief. "Survivors of the carnage told military investigators that the attackers asked them if they were Christians and when they answered yes, the gunmen just opened fire," Aleo told The Manila Times. The victims said the gunmen had long hair and were armed with automatic weapons, a separate military report said. Maj. Gamal Hayudini, a spokesman for the militarys Southern Command, said some 20 gunmen were involved in the attack. "We believed this has something to do with a family feud," he said without elaborating. Hayudini identified those killed as Itting Pontilla, 45; Emma Casipong, 16; Melanie Patinga, 9 months; Selma Patinga and Pedro Casipong. The wounded were Norde Patinga, 38; Jason Patinga, 3, Jennifer Pontilla, 19; and Lucring Casipong, 50. The attack came barely a week after 20 people were wounded in separate attacks by unidentified men in Patikul and Jolo. On Wednesday Abu Sayyaf gunmen also killed a father and son in Jolos Busbus village on suspicion that the man was a spy for the military. The group has previously attacked and killed dozens of civilians suspected of aiding the military on the island. Abu Sayyaf militants also fired two rounds of rifle grenades Tuesday at a military post in Indanan where troops from the 53rd Infantry Battalion were stationed. There were no reports of casualties. Posted by: Dan Darling 2006-02-04 |
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