ZAMBOANGA CITY: Authorities have initiated a manhunt for four gunmen believed to be responsible for the fatal ambush of two Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) members in Sumisip, Basilan. The victims, identified as Hasid Dohong Bidalul, 37, and Ridzman Asdaman, 42, were attacked on Friday afternoon in Sitio Katuli, Barangay Tumahubong, according to a top police official.
According to Philippines News Agency, Col. Cerrazid Umabong, the director of Basilan Police, reported that the attack occurred while the two BPAT members were traveling on a motorcycle from Barangay Buli-Buli to Barangay Tumahubong. The ambush resulted in their immediate deaths, and the identities of the assailants remain unknown.
In a related development, BPAT members in Pangutaran, Sulu, have recently completed a month-long Community Support Program – Integrated Territorial Defense System Sustainment Program as of October 23. The initiative is designed to bolster local capacities for territorial defense and promote sustainable devel
opment.
Lt. Col. Roldan Mira, commander of the Army’s 6th Special Forces Battalion, emphasized the importance of community involvement in defense efforts. “Together, we can build a stronger and safer future for our communities,” he stated in a recent announcement.