Bombardment kills young boy in Basilan

ZAMBOANGA CITY — A young boy was killed reportedly due to the series of bombardment staged by the military against the Abu Sayyaf and three foreign militants Sunday in the border of Mohammad Ajul and Al-Barka town in Basilan, according to police.

 

The Basilan Provincial Police Office (BPPO) in its report disclosed that the young boy aged about 8 from Sitio Sitin, Barangay Beggang in Al-Barka was reportedly sitting outside their house when he was caught by the blast suspected to be from a cannon fired by government troops against the Abu Sayyaf group.

 

The boy sustained fatal injuries on the head and abdomen.

 

The military could not confirm if it was their bombardment that hit the young boy.

 

According to Col. Cirilio Donato, commander of the 104th Army Brigade, they are conducting an investigation of the incident if indeed it came from the troops or from the militant group.

 

The victim’s family reportedly insisted the bombardment came from the military side.

 

Meanwhile, Al-Barka town Mayor Ladjid Darus said the military continued the bombardment in the border of Mohammad Ajul and Al-Barka town where the Abu Sayyaf and three foreign militants have been holed up.