BASILAN, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / August 26, 2008) – Four people were killed and four others wounded when unidentified gunmen opened fire Tuesday on a group of illegal loggers in Basilan island in the southern Philippines, police said.
Police said the attack occurred in the hinterlands of Sumisip town, but it was unclear who were behind the attack. “Four people are dead alright and we are investigating this attack,” Senior Superintendent Salik Macapantar, the island’s police chief, told the Mindanao Examiner.
He said the attack targeted a group of illegal tree cutters and it was unknown whether the assailants were rebels or not. No individual or group claimed responsibility for the attack, but the town is a known stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf group and the larger Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels.
Illegal logging is still rampant in the island’s hinterlands, despite efforts by authorities to put a stop on the activities. Basilan is largely covered by coconut trees and other species of hardwood.
The island is also a paradise for wild boars and macaque, but animal hunters had also been attacked in the past by rebels. (With reports from Rex Montebon)
Police said the attack occurred in the hinterlands of Sumisip town, but it was unclear who were behind the attack. “Four people are dead alright and we are investigating this attack,” Senior Superintendent Salik Macapantar, the island’s police chief, told the Mindanao Examiner.
He said the attack targeted a group of illegal tree cutters and it was unknown whether the assailants were rebels or not. No individual or group claimed responsibility for the attack, but the town is a known stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf group and the larger Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels.
Illegal logging is still rampant in the island’s hinterlands, despite efforts by authorities to put a stop on the activities. Basilan is largely covered by coconut trees and other species of hardwood.
The island is also a paradise for wild boars and macaque, but animal hunters had also been attacked in the past by rebels. (With reports from Rex Montebon)
No comments:
Post a Comment