ZAMBOANGA CITY – Nine people were killed and several were wounded in election-related violence in past two days in at least three towns of Basilan province.
AMONG the fatalities in election-related violence in Basilan.
Four people were killed and several others were wounded during a fierce firefight between family members and supporters of two political personalities in Hadji Mohammad Ajul town last Sunday.
Several families fled their homes in Barangay Langil when an exchange of gunfire erupted between supporters of Mayor Talib Pawaki and former barangay chairperson Almujir Camilan.
The fatalities were identified as Addahang Abdulla, 45; Hajarani Maha, 63; Jul-Asbi Misuari, 44; and Jun Awang, 39.
Lawmen recovered 54 spent M16 cartridges at the crime scene.
At dawn on Monday, three persons were killed and two others were wounded when armed men ambushed a group of supporters of former Mayor Jamar Mansul of Hadji Muhtamad town near Sangbay Big Island.
The fatalities were identified as Samier Jamiri, Ramusi Abdurahman, and Ben Mapil. Two others were wounded in the incident.
The group, which includes Mansul, was on board their speedboat when they were fired at by men armed with high-powered firearms.
Mansul’s wife, Hadja Hannah, said they were not able to fire back as they were unarmed and merely transporting poll watchers for today’s elections.
At noontime on the same day, two persons were killed while three were wounded during a firefight incident in Tabuan Lasa municipality.
The Tabuan Lasa Municipal Police station identified the fatalities as Uni Muhammad and Simbid Ambutong. Salman Hassan, Gawin Saidol, and Almujik Dahil were wounded.
The firefight between the group of a certain Ahalul and Goreng reportedly stemmed from a heated argument.
Police are continuing their investigation into all these incidents.