A soldier guards Basilan province in southern Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)
BASILAN (Mindanao Examiner / Dec. 2, 2013) – Gunmen have killed two merchants on Monday in an attack in the restive province of Basilan in the Muslim autonomous region in Mindanao, police said.
Police said the two victims – Arnel Diad and Levi Altuvero – were travelling on a motorcycle when gunmen attacked them in the village of Languyan in Mohd Adjul town. The motive of the attack or who were behind it is still unknown, but rebels are actively operating in the province.
The victims were natives of Zamboanga Sibugay province who were selling assorted kitchen products in Basilan.
It was not the first time that travelling merchants had been targeted in the troubled province. In January 2011, Abu Sayyaf rebels also ambushed a truck and killing 5 merchants selling mattresses; and other attacks that targeted civilians.
Police did not say whether the latest attack was perpetrated by the Abu Sayyaf or criminal gangs. (Mindanao Examiner)
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