The Philippine Online Chronicles

Gunmen of unknown origin killed 15 fishermen off the coast of Basilan on Tuesday, officials reported.

The shooting occurred around ten nautical miles off Sibago. According to police, at least ten attackers are suspected of involvement. The victims were occupying thee boats; seven bodies were found in one boat, five bodies in another, and three in the last boat. No arrests have been made.

“[The fishermen] were strafed by armed men who were onboard three small boats off Sibago Island [a part of] Mohd Ajul town in Basilan. The gunmen killed 15 fishermen and three survived the attack, but they are all seriously wounded,” Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang, speaking for the Western Mindanao Command told the Mindanao Examiner. He further added that the possibility of Islamic extremist involvement had been ruled out at present.

Lt. Col. Cabangbang said that authorities have yet to determine who were behind the attack. Possibilities include fishing turf rivals and pirates. The Philippine Coast Guard stated that fishermen would give pirates a monthly due to be spared in attacks: PhP1500 for a boat with an icebox and PhP500 for a three-person motorized banca.