ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Abu Sayyaf terrorists swooped down on a Basilan community as it was preparing for a fiesta yesterday, opened fire and torched houses and the health center, killing at least nine villagers.

The bandits were disguised as soldiers when they attacked the village in Barangay Tubigan, Maluso town.

A militiaman who confronted the raiders was quickly overpowered and his body reportedly mutilated after he was killed.

The motive for the rampage has yet to be established.

In encounters since Sunday in Akbar town also in Basilan, government forces have killed five Abu Sayyaf terrorists.

Yesterday’s attack was the latest challenge to President Duterte, who had vowed to eat the terrorists’ liver, with salt and vinegar.

Col. Juvymax Uy, commander of Joint Task Force Basilan (JTFB), said residents were busy preparing for their fiesta when the terrorists attacked yesterday morning.

The police said the terrorists indiscriminately fired at civilian houses and vehicles passing by the area. Among those killed were a minor and three females.

Chief Insp. John Cundo, Maluso police chief, identified the victims as Reynaldo Esparcia, a member of the Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit-Active Auxiliary (CAA), 13-year-old Marktan Jalad, Radzma Arakani, Baby Arakani, Radzma Hassan, Andok Haikin, Carmina de la Cruz, Ryan Joplo and Ajid Aminulla.

Esparcia reportedly engaged the attacking militants but was immediately overpowered.

Among the wounded were Arkani Jauhari and Gaspar Papal, aged 10 and 7 respectively, Abel Laping, Arkani Estrella, Lokaya Arakani, Solo Arakani, Tarthata Arakani, Joyce Ryan, Roderick Villarin, Jordan Garcia, Joey de la Cruz, Mirriam de la Cruz, Jessie de la Cruz, Julhari Arajani, Rick Joplo and Grace Fernandez.

Jordan Garcia said they were loading wood onto their jeep when the bandits came marching towards the community’s covered court.

“We thought they were soldiers marching on the roadside but they suddenly positioned themselves and fired on houses and vehicles and civilians in sight,” Garcia recalled.

Meanwhile, at least five Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed in military operations in Barangay Mangalut, Akbar town since Sunday.

Uy said the troops launched the offensive operation against the Abu Sayyaf following reports that it was planning to bomb some key areas in Basilan province and Zamboanga city. Soldiers also recovered several improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

The military said pursuit operations continue as the terrorist group fled toward the adjacent Mohammad Adjul town.

In Maguindanao province, Moro Islamic Liberation Front members Misuari Mohammadi, Mohidin Ahmad and Tarik Sabpa were wounded in battles that started three weeks ago against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Salibo, Datu Piang, Datu Saudi and Sharif Saidona towns.

At least five BIFF members were killed.

Chief Supt. Reuben Sindac, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao police director, said he is not taking any chances and has ordered a heightened security alert for the entire province as he warned local police units to be on the lookout for retaliatory attacks.

He also cautioned security forces of motorcycles rigged with IEDs that can be detonated when parked in terminals, markets or anywhere along the national highways.

Capt. Arvin Encinas, public affairs officer of the Army 6th Infantry Division, said they have received persistent reports of retaliatory attacks from the group of Esmael Abdulmalik, henchman of slain Malaysian bomb-maker Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan.

Abdulmalik reportedly wanted to avenge the death of his son, Hamdi, killed during a battle in Salibo town last Friday.

Also last Sunday, the police arrested Pagal Nasang Aliapan after he sold ammonium nitrate, an ingredient for IEDs, and other explosive materials during a sting operation at a coastal village in Zamboanga City.

Chief Supt. Billy Beltran, director of Police Regional Office 9, said Aliapan, a resident of Malamawi Island in Isabela City, Basilan, is being held for tactical interrogation to determine why he was selling the explosives and if he is connected to terrorist groups operating in southern Philippines.

He added that at least 15 sacks of ammonium nitrate, three plastic bags with one kilo each and another 10 with half kilo each, 75 pieces of blasting caps and 17 pieces of cut detonating cords were recovered from Aliapan’s possession. – With John Unson, Cecille Suerte Felipe