Reports reaching Manila indicated that at least three suspected members of the Islamist militant Abu Sayyaf Group and a soldier died Wednesday in Basilan, the same day that government forces flushed out more than 200 suspected members in Sulu.
The clash in Indanan, Sulu killed 15 ASG members and one soldier in two hours of heavy firefight.
According to Capt. Roy Trinidad, chief of staff of Task Force "Zambasulta" (Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi), the clash in Basilan took place at around 11:30 a.m. in Sitio Punoh Timuguen, Barangay Baiwas, Sumisip.
Initial reports indicated that six ASG members were wounded.
"The firefight lasted for one hour before the bandits withdrew toward different directions. We have one fatality, while three bandits were killed and many wounded," Trinidad said. "Another soldier who was wounded was immediately evacuated for prompt medical attention."
Trinidad said artillery and air support were provided to the ground troops.
Trinidad also disclosed the names of 10 of the 15 slain ASG members in the Sulu encounter, who were identified as Joy Juliyon, Arapat Bagadi, a certain Majindi, Sarman Aidarud, a certain Mandi, Arapat Hadjiri, Dunni Ammin, Salman Wahid, Majindi Kamlun, and Runni Said.
The wounded ASG fighters were identified as Abdel de la Cruz; Sherwin de la Cruz; a certain Mawalil, Duni and Bidah; Lasis Jihili; and Kapatud Sarman.
The Sulu clash had resulted in the rescue of Seaman 2nd Class Gringo Villaruz and SN1 Rod Allen Pagaling, both personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) who had earlier been abducted by the ASG in May.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/116396/3-asg-men-soldier-killed-in-basilan-clash
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