2 cops hurt in ambush by suspected Abu Sayyaf fighters in Sulu

MANILA, Philippines — Two police officers were hurt in an ambush by suspected fighters of the Abu Sayyaf Group in Patikul, Sulu on Monday.

The Police Regional Office in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PRO-BARMM) identified the victims as Cpl. Angelo Canapi and Pat. Nijar Awwalon, both from the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Sulu Provincial Police Office.

According to police, the victims were securing the route for car-pooled teachers from the Department of Education assigned at the eastern part of Patikul when they were met by gunshots from suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf at around 7:45 a.m.

During the ambush, Canapi was hit on his right forearm while Awwalon sustained a head injury.

Police said the victims were rushed to the Integrated Provincial Health Office in Sulu for immediate treatment and were later transferred to Camp Teodulfo Bautista Hospital in Jolo.

The regional police has launched an investigation on the incident. /je