6 ASGs killed, 9 others wounded in Sulu encounter

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 10): 6 ASGs killed, 9 others wounded in Sulu encounter

Six members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) were killed while nine others, including six civilian volunteers, were wounded in an encounter in Barangay Mabahay, Talipao town, Sulu Saturday.

In a belated report to Armed Forces of the Philippines public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, Col. Jose Johriel Cenabre, 2nd Marine Brigade commander, said the incident took place between 10:20 to 10:30 a.m.

According to Cenabre, they were conducting clearing operations in Barangay Mabahay, a known enclave of the ASG, when they encountered with an estimated 50 of the brigands headed by one "Yasser Igasan."

Six ASG men were killed in the firefight while three others were wounded.

No deaths were reported for government troops but six members of the "Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team" (BPAT) helping them in their clearing operations were hurt.

Cenabre said fighting lasted until Saturday night. He added that of the six wounded BPATs, two were already flown to Zamboanga for treatment.

All six wounded are reported to be in a stable condition.

Pursuit operations are still ongoing.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=614453