Civilian killed in Basilan crossfire
By Julie Alipala
Mindanao Bureau
First Posted 15:11:00 11/29/2008
Filed Under: Defense, Security (general), Mindanao peace process, Unrest and Conflicts and War
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines -- (UPDATE) A civilian was killed in the crossfire as hostilities broke out anew between government forces and Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels in Basilan on Friday, officials said Saturday.
The clashes in Albarkah and Tipo-tipo Central towns took place ahead of this week’s pullout of the team of international monitors that has supervised the implementation of a 2001 ceasefire accord between the government and the rebels.
Basilan Vice Governor Al Rasheed Sakalahul said the civilian, Moh Kullalul of Linuan in Albarkah town, died in the exchange of artillery fire between soldiers and the rebels.
Sakalahul told the Philippine Daily Inquirer (parent company of INQUIRER.net) by phone that residents of at least four affected villages -- Magkawa, Ginanta and Linuan in Albarkah, and Limbo-o Pas in Tipo-tipo Central -- fled Friday afternoon.
But he said they were still trying to determine the exact number of villagers affected by the fighting.
"We could not yet ascertain the number of families affected as the situation is still tense," Sakalahul said.
Sakalahul said the clashes erupted when elements of the 1st Marine Brigade fired howitzers and mortars on suspected lairs of the Abu Sayyaf group in the two municipalities.
Colonel Rustico Guerrero, 1st Marine Brigade commander, confirmed the clashes.
But he declined to provide additional details, saying he was in the middle of the operation.
"[We are] running after the Abu Sayyaf Group and kidnappers, I am not in Tabiawan [the base of the Marines] and hope you understand," he said.
Sakalahul said the operation was launched after suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf, who had earlier kidnapped humanitarian workers Merlie Mendoza and Esperancita Hupida, snatched yet another victim, a nine-year old girl from Lamitan City.
Mendoza and Hupida were recently released after their families paid ransom.
Hadji Hassan Lamla, chair of the MILF's Yakan City Committee, said their fighters became involved in the hostilities when the military started targeting their positions.
Lamla said because of this, the MILF in the province believes the operation was aimed at them and not the Abu Sayyaf.
He said MILF fighters, led by commanders Asid Salih and Hud Limaya, have set up defensive positions and been trading fire with the Marines since Friday.
Sakalahul confirmed that Linuan, Ginanta and Magkawa are known territories of the MILF. But he said the Abu Sayyaf also operates in the area.
Sakalahul said they believe the operation is on track because, at the height of the bombardment in Linuan village, he got a call from the Abu Sayyaf warning him that a 17-year old nursing student from Zamboanga, who is being held in captivity, might get caught in the crossfire.
|
