By Roel Pareño
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Abu Sayyaf terrorists swooped down on a Basilan community as it was preparing for a fiesta yesterday, opened fire and torched houses and the health center, killing at least nine villagers.
The bandits were disguised as soldiers when they attacked the village in Barangay Tubigan, Maluso town.
A militiaman who confronted the raiders was quickly overpowered and his body reportedly mutilated after he was killed.
The motive for the rampage has yet to be established.
In encounters since Sunday in Akbar town also in Basilan, government forces have killed five Abu Sayyaf terrorists.
Yesterday’s attack was the latest challenge to President Duterte, who had vowed to eat the terrorists’ liver, with salt and vinegar.
Col. Juvymax Uy, commander of Joint Task Force Basilan (JTFB), said residents were busy preparing for their fiesta when the terrorists attacked yesterday morning.
The police said the terrorists indiscriminately fired at civilian houses and vehicles passing by the area. Among those killed were a minor and three females.
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