2 cops hurt in Sulu Abu attack

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Abu Sayyaf bandits fired at a convoy of police vehicles in Patikul, Sulu yesterday, triggering clashes that left two police officers wounded. 

Cpl. Angelo Canapi and Pat. Nijar Awwalon of the 2nd Mobile Provincial Force Company, who were taken to the Sulu Integrated Health Office in Jolo for treatment, were transferred to a military hospital at Camp Bautista for treatment.

The police officers were providing security to teachers who were traveling from Jolo to Barangay Taglibi when they were waylaid at around 8 a.m., Maj. Arvin John Encinas, Western Mindanao Command spokesman, said. 

Encinas said the bandits also fired at an Army patrol base in Barangay Igasan and clashed with personnel of the peacekeeping action team of Barangay Kan Ague.

Police said the bandits suffered an undetermined number of casualties.

Encinas said pursuit operations for the bandits are ongoing. He said the suspects were believed to be behind last week’s bombing that also targeted a police convoy escorting public school teachers. – Emmanuel Tupas