Sulu cop killed by ASG

By Ronron
June 26, 2007

A policeman from Sulu was killed by a suspected Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) member last Monday afternoon while conducting intelligence operations in Kalingalan Caluang town.

Belated reports from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Police Office identified the victim as PO2 Musaowil Sahiyal Usman, assigned with the Panglima Estino Municipal Police Station in Sulu.

Initial investigation said Usman was “conducting an intelligence monitoring to a reported sighting of ASG members in the area” when he was shot by the suspect, identified as Sarri Ahmad. The report did not explain, however, why he was operating at an area outside of his place of assignment.

The shooting incident happened at around 1pm in Barangay Tunggol of Kalingalan Caluang

Usman was riding a motorcycle with his relative, identified as Jubarri Abdul, when Ahmad, backed up by five companions, shot him.

Usman was hit in the face, causing his death, while Abdul escaped, unharmed.

The suspects then took Usman’s issued firearm, a caliber 9mm pistol, and his yellow Honda motorcycle before fleeing to an unknown direction.

Police in Sulu is now conducting manhunt operations against the suspects as criminal charges against them are being prepared.

The ASG is listed as a terrorist group by the United States government because of the bombings, kidnappings and other crimes it has carried out over the last several years in the country./DMS