4 Sulu villagers hurt in Abu attack

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Abu Sayyaf rebels stormed a Marine detachment in Patikul, Sulu last Sunday morning, wounding four villagers living near the camp, the military said.

Col. Orlando de Leon, commander of the 2nd Marine Brigade, said their detachment in Sitio Panding, Barangay Latih came under heavy fire from the bandits under Basiri Arook who used rifle grenades, but his men repulsed the attack.

He said the detachment was set up as villagers and teachers in the area complained about the extortion demands and kidnapping threats of Arook’s group.