ZAMBOANGA CITY –– Three police officers and a civilian security volunteer were hurt in an attack by the Abu Sayyaf in Patikul, Sulu Wednesday night. The attack happened following the surrender of one bandit to authorities. ADVERTISEMENTLieutenant Colonel Gerald Monfort, spokesperson of the Joint Task Force Sulu, said the bandits attacked police personnel who were on patrol in Barangay Buhanginan aboard a vehicle around 6:50 p.m.Monfort added that a brief gunfight, lasting about five minutes, ensued. Major General Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of Joint Task Force Sulu, said the attack could be a retaliation for the series of setbacks suffered by the bandits in the continuing crackdown on their ranks. Vinluan claimed that the campaign against the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu has gained active participation from civilians.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer December 05, 2019 06:33 UTC