14 dead, 26 hurt in PH military-Abu Sayyaf clash

From InterAksyon (Nov 14): 14 dead, 26 hurt in PH military-Abu Sayyaf clash

Philippine troops clashed on Friday with Islamist militants on a remote southern island and 14 people were killed in the first major encounter since the army launched an offensive almost a month ago, military officials said.

Militants from the Abu Sayyaf group had been avoiding contact with government forces on the island of Jolo since the release of the two German captives last month after ransom was reportedly paid.

Army rangers killed nine rebels in a five-hour gun battle after the soldiers raided a camp where 300 of the al Qaeda-linked militants were based, said Army spokesperson Captain Rowena Muyuela.

She said five soldiers were killed and 26 were wounded.

Intelligence reports also indicated that around 30 bandits were seriously wounded in the firefight that began 1: 50 p.m. Friday.

Around 300 ASG bandits, led by Radullon Sahiron, were encountered by a force of more than 70 troopers.

Abu Sayyaf sub-leaders Hatib Sawadjaan and Julie Ekit were also involved in the clash, the Western Mindanao Command said.

ASG sub-leader Hairullah Asbang was among the militants killed, said Joint Task Group Sulu commander Colonel Allan Arrojado.

"As of now, the fighting is over, it's already dark but we are pursuing them," Arrojado, also commander of the army brigade on the island, told reporters.

Additional troops were deployed to pursue and block the bandits who were believed to have fled to their jungle hideouts.

Helicopter gunships were brought in to pound the fleeing bandits.

Soldiers have been hunting the militants on the island since the two German captives were released on Oct. 17. But until Friday, they had found only several abandoned camps, Arrojado said.

The Abu Sayyaf are known as one of the most brutal Muslim rebels factions in the Muslim south of the largely Christian Philippines. They are known for kidnappings, beheadings and bombings.

The government signed a peace deal with the largest Muslim rebel group, Moro Islamic Liberation Front, in March, promising to grant autonomy in the south and ending a 45-year conflict that killed 120,000 people and displaced 2 million.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/99242/14-dead-26-hurt-in-ph-military-abu-sayyaf-clash