Jolo bombing ‘facilitator’ killed in Sulu clash

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — One of the facilitators of the bombing of the Jolo cathedral last January was killed during law enforcement operations in Patikul, Sulu on Monday, the military reported.

Colonel Gerry Besana, speaking for Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said government troops, led by Lt. Colonel Alaric Avelino delos Santos, clashed with 40 members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) under Almujer Yada in Barangay Bangkal, Patikul, Sulu around 3:30 p.m.on Monday.

The 40-minute firefight resulted in the death of Barak Ingog, who was tagged by the military as one of the facilitators of the bombing of the cathedral in Jolo on January 27.

 READ: AFP condemns Jolo cathedral attack

Besana said Ingog was among those who facilitated the entry of bombers and transported improvised explosive devices to Jolo.

He added that the community provided the military with information about Ingog’s participation in the Jolo cathedral bombing.

Soldiers recovered an M16 rifle and personal belongings of the bandits from the scene of the encounter.

Another ASG member, identified as Nasser Sawajaan, a nephew of ASG leader Hatib Hajaan Sawadjaan, was also reportedly killed during the encounter.

“Three of our troops were slightly hurt by shrapnel but they are now fine,” Brig. Gen. Divino Rey Pabayo Jr., commander of JTF Sulu, said in a statement.

At least 24 were killed and scores of churchgoers injured when two persons — a couple, set off bombs inside and outside the place of worship. /ee

READ: 2 blasts rock Jolo cathedral; 7 dead — reports