14 killed, 56 hurt as soldiers clash anew with Abu Sayyaf

From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 15): 14 killed, 56 hurt as soldiers clash anew with Abu Sayyaf

Five soldiers and nine Abu Sayyaf gunmen were killed in heavy fighting between government security forces and the Al Qaeda-linked bandit group in the hinterlands of Sulu yesterday afternoon.

Col. Allan Arrojado, Joint Task Group Sulu commander, said 26 soldiers were also wounded in the firefight that erupted at around 1:50 p.m. at Barangay Bud-Bungao in Talipao town.

Intelligence reports likewise indicate that more than 30 bandits were injured in the clashes.

Operating troops composed of four officers and 74 enlisted personnel from the Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) and the 1st Scout Ranger Company (1SRC) were conducting law enforcement operations when they encountered some 300 Abu Sayyaf gunmen under Radullan Sahiron, Hatib Sawadjaan, and Julie Ekit.

Arrojado said five soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice, while 26 others were wounded in the five-hour series of gun battles.

He added that information gathered also revealed that at least nine were killed on the Abu Sayyaf side, including sub-leader Hairullah Asbang.

A statement from the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) said that at 2:38 p.m., attack helicopters were deployed to provide close-air support to the operating troops.

“It’s a major encounter… as of now the fighting is over. We are tracking their whereabouts, we are pursuing them,” said Arrojado.

Government security forces are hot on the trail of the bandit group since full-scale law enforcement operation was launched in October following the release of two German nationals who were held captive by the Abu Sayyaf for six months.

The soldiers have been directed by AFP Chief Gen. Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. to maintain military pressure to force the bandits to release their remaining hostages.

“The intensified operations in Sulu had canalized the group of Sahiron, Sawadjaan and Ekit which

Last week, Catapang announced that said government security forces will be hunting down the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan 24 hours a day. The military now has five battalions and specialized units pursuing the bandits as part of the all-out law enforcement operation.

http://www.mb.com.ph/14-killed-56-hurt-as-soldiers-clash-anew-with-abu-sayyaf/