Seven killed, three hurt in Sulu town firefight – military

Map of Sulu

MANILA, Philippines — Seven “lawless personalities” were killed while a police officer and two civilians were injured during a firefight in Maibung town in Sulu over the weekend, the military said Monday.

The Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) said the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP SAF) launched a law enforcement operation to serve a warrant of arrest to a certain Juko Dahim on Sunday, February 5.

To support the police operation, the military deployed two platoons and established checkpoints to block the possible escape routes of alleged lawless personalities.

As the PNP-SAF approached the target area, Dahim and his cohorts reportedly fired at authorities – consequently, a gun battle ensued.

“The firefight resulted in the wounding of one PNP SAF personnel and the deaths of seven lawless personalities including the target … Meanwhile, two civilians were accidentally hit by bullets during the encounter,” the Wesmincom said in a statement.

Aside from Dahim, the Wesmincom identified the other fatalities as Jimming Akial; Al Dimar Kanih; Gamil Halik; Malik Iron; and Norhan Pasi. The 7th fatality is still unidentified as of this writing.

The injured civilians were  brought to the Integrated Provincial Health Office in Jolo for medical treatment, according to the military.

Authorities also said they recovered the following high-powered firearms and war materiel from the scene:  M16 BA Colt, one M16 Elisco, one Colt M16, one Cal. Multi MDST 15, one M203 Grenade Launcher, one Colt AR 15, and three M14 7.62.

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KGA