ZAMBOANGA CITY - Authorities have confirmed the identity of the Indonesian fisherman killed by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits while trying to escape amid the firefight in the hinterlands of Sulu.
In a statement Friday, the Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu identified the slain Indonesian fisherman as La Baa, 32, whose identity was confirmed Thursday by Indonesian authorities and the victim’s family.
Baa's cause of death had yet to be determined since there were no signs of gunshot wounds except for bruises seen on the head of the victim, the JTF-Sulu said.
Earlier, Lt. Col. Ruben Guinolbay, commander of the Army's 45th Infantry Battalion, said the troops recovered the cadaver of Baa following a clash with the ASG bandits Tuesday afternoon in Barangay Maligay, Patikul, Sulu.
Guinolbay said the troops were scouring the enemy's withdrawal route about 300 meters from the encounter site when they recovered the cadaver of Baa.
Guinolbay said that an ASG member, Arsibar Sawadjaan, was killed during the clash with government forces.
Baa and four other Indonesians were seized by the ASG bandits while they were fishing on January 16 this year in the waters between Tambisan and Kuala Meruap, Lahad Datu, Sabah, close to the Philippine sea border.
Baa’s companions were identified as Arsyad Dahlan, 41, the fishing boat skipper; Arizal Kastamiran, 29; Riswanto Hayano, 27; and Edi Lawalopo, 53.
Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), has ordered the JTF-Sulu to continue to hunt down the groups of ASG leaders Mundi Sawadjaan and Radulan Sahiron. (PNA)
