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Suspects in killing of soldier, 3 others yield in Basilan

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.

July 7, 2020, 8:20 pm

<p><strong>SURRENDER.</strong> The firearms belonging to the four members of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team who are tagged as responsible in the July 3 killing of a soldier and three others in Barangaay Bohe Lebbung, Tipo-Tipo, Basilan. The suspects surrendered to military authorities Sunday (July 5, 2020). <em>(Photo courtesy of the Army's 101st Infantry Brigade)</em></p>

SURRENDER. The firearms belonging to the four members of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team who are tagged as responsible in the July 3 killing of a soldier and three others in Barangaay Bohe Lebbung, Tipo-Tipo, Basilan. The suspects surrendered to military authorities Sunday (July 5, 2020). (Photo courtesy of the Army's 101st Infantry Brigade)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The four members of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) involved in the killing of a soldier and three others in Basilan province surrendered to authorities, military officials said Tuesday.

Brig. Gen. Fernando Reyeg, Joint Task Force Basilan commander, identified the surrenderers as Karim Manisan, 31; Saham Mohammad, 45; Lito Manisan, 45; and Ayatula Mohammad, 40.

They are all members of BPAT in Barangay Bohe Lebbung, Tipo-Tipo, Basilan, who surrendered Sunday to the headquarters of the Army’s 4th Special Forces Battalion in Barangay Cabunbata, Isabela City, Basilan.

The four were tagged as responsible for the July 3 killing of PFC Mark Anthony Monte; militiamen Samy Akay and Alibasa Antaas; and Kong Uging, a civilian.

Monte and his companions were walking home when the suspects ambushed them around 10:30 p.m. in Barangay Bohe Lebbung, Tipo-Tipo.

Militiamen Randy Ibung and Gary Cuevas, and civilians Halam Jainul and Hakim Marani were also injured during the incident.

“The relentless efforts of the combined elements from the 18th Infantry Battalion, 4th Special Forces Battalion, and the local police, pressured the gunmen to yield,” Reyeg said.

Reyeg said the suspects turned over four high-powered firearms consisting of two M16A1 rifles, an M14 US-made rifle, and an M1 US-made carbine with several magazines and ammunitions.

He said the suspects were aware that charges have been filed against them “and they are ready to face the consequences of their actions.”

The police said earlier the group had a misunderstanding, and that Monte and the other victims confronted the suspects minutes before the incident.

Reyeg said the suspects were turned over to the custody of the police.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said they will closely monitor the development of the case to ensure that justice is accorded to the victims. (PNA) 

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