War refugees in Basilan and Jolo islands in southern RP receive relief aid from the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Muslim autonomous region under Bai Racma Imam, who led the distribution of hundreds of food bags. Regional governor Zaldy Ampatuan and Jolo island governor Sakur Tan and Basilan governor Jum Akbar are closely working with government agencies to address the situation of some 20,000 people who fled their homes. (Mindanao Examiner Photo Service/ Mark Navales)JOLO ISLAND, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / 24 Aug) – Philippine soldiers killed a suspected Abu Sayyaf militant after he resisted arrest in the southern island of Jolo, where security forces are fighting the terrorist group tied to al-Qaeda.
Security officials said the militant was involved in kidnappings and killings in Jolo island, one of five province under the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
Thousands of soldiers were pursuing the Abu Sayyaf on the island, blamed for the killing of more than a dozen Marines in fierce fighting since last month. Over 7,000 civilians have fled their homes because of the hostilities.
Jolo island Governor Sakur Tan has ordered social workers to attend to the refugees and make sure that none of them get sick, especially the children.
“We are concerned about the health of the refugees and the security situation on the island, although the skirmishes are in the hinterlands,” Tan said.
ARMM Social Welfare Secretary Bai Rachma Imam led the distribution of relief aid Thursday and Friday in Jolo and Basilan island where troops are also battling a faction of Abu Sayyaf.
Some 13,000 people also evacuated in Basilan for fear that they would be caught in the cross-fire.
President Gloria Arroyo ordered the military to crush the Abu Sayyaf, blamed for Tuesday’s bombing in Zamboanga City that injured 14 people. (Mark Navales)
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