MNLF member, suspected Abu bandit killed in Sulu shootout

ZAMBOANGA CITY – A Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) member and a suspected Abu Sayyaf bandit were killed during a shootout in Indanan, Sulu on Friday, military officials said Saturday.

But Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, commander of the Joint Task Group Sulu, said the incident was the offshoot of a rido (feud) and had nothing to do with any anti-Abu Sayyaf campaign.

“What transpired Friday in Indanan town was part of rido,” he said.

Maj. Gen. Demy Tejares, commander of the Joint Task Force Zambasulta, said Gaber Majang, a former soldier under the integration program for MNLF members, traded shots with a group of Abu Sayyaf bandits, led by Sibih Pisih, in Barangay Buanza around 5:30 p.m. Friday.

Majang and a son of Pisih were reportedly killed in the shootout.

It was reported that prior to the clash, Pisih’s group burned the house of Majang and when the latter got a chance, he attempted to exact revenge. CDG

READ: Abu Sayyaf man who surrendered to AFP was a gov’t soldier, says rido drove him to banditry