Abu bandits torch Basilan dump truck

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines  – Suspected Abu Sayyaf militants seized and torched a dump truck of the provincial government of Basilan, a military official said yesterday.

Col. Arthur Ang, commanding  officer of the 104th Army Brigade based in Tabiawan, Isabela City, Basilan, said the newly acquired dump truck was on its way to Sumisip town last Saturday when the gunmen flagged it down and ordered the driver to produce P1 million in exchange for the release of the vehicle.

When the driver failed to produce the money, the gunmen seized the truck and burned it.

Ang said soldiers have launched an operation to catch the bandits.