5 Abu Sayyaf bandits killed, 8 wounded in Basilan clash –military

From GMA News (Aug 19): 5 Abu Sayyaf bandits killed, 8 wounded in Basilan clash –military

Five suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf bandit group were killed while eight others were wounded in two encounters with government forces on Wednesday in Sumisip town in Basilan, military officials said.

The government, on the other hand, lost one man in the firefight, according to Col. Rolando Bautista, commander of the military’s Joint Task Group Basilan. One soldier was also wounded, he said.

“The firefight unfortunately resulted in one killed and one wounded on the government side while reportedly, two killed and six wounded on the enemy side,” he said.

Bautista said his men were conducting combat operation in Barangay Baiwas, a known Abu Sayyaf stronghold, at around 11 a.m. when they chanced upon some 60 bandits.

Bautista could not give other details of the clash, saying, “As of now, the pursuit operation is ongoing so it's really hard to give exact details from troops who are on pursuit.”

The clash occurred a day after troops from the Army’s 4th Special Forces Battalion clashed with Abu Sayyaf bandits in Barangay Limbobong, also in Sumisip.

According to Lt. Col. Eliglen Villaflor, the battalion commander, sporadic firefight with the undetermined number of Abu Sayyaf members lasted for about 40 minutes.

He said the enemies were under Abu Sayyaf sub-leaders Radzmil Janatul, Juhaibel Alamsirul and Pasil Bayali.

“Reports received by this unit states that the ASG were seen dragging away their casualties, three killed and two wounded,” said Villaflor. No soldier was killed or injured in Tuesday’s encounter.

Last Friday, some members of the Army’s 4th Special Forces Battalion clashed with Abu Sayyaf men in Barangay Upper Benengbengan in Sumisip town, leaving a soldier and an Abu Sayyaf member dead.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/533577/news/regions/5-abu-sayyaf-bandits-killed-8-wounded-in-basilan-clash-military