3 Abu Sayyaf bandits killed, scores wounded in Basilan clash

From InterAksyon (Oct 25): 3 Abu Sayyaf bandits killed, scores wounded in Basilan clash



File photo of Abu Sayyaf on patrol. REUTERS

A military unit on a clearing operation in Basilan on Sunday encountered Abu Sayyaf Group members - later reinforced by other armed groups - sparking a firefight that left three ASG men dead, and scores wounded, among them four soldiers.

The 40-minute firefight took place in Barangay Baiwas, Sumisip town, according to Captain Roy Trinidad, chief of staff of the Joint Task Force “Zambasulta” (Zamboanga, Basilan, Silu, and Tawi-Tawi).

“Operating troops of Joint Task Group-Basilan encountered an estimated 50 combined members of the ASG under sub-leader Radzmil Jannatul at around 11:50 o’clock this morning that resulted in three dead bandits,” Trinidad said.

During the firefight, another group of lawless elements, led by a certain Katatuh Balaman, joined Jannatul’s group, Trinidad said. 

“The troops were conducting clearing operations when they chanced upon Jannatul’s group. They were joined later by the group of Balaman,” Trinidad said.

Though the fighting was prolonged by the arrival of the second lawless group, the bandits finally withdrew after government reinforcements came. The bandits left behind their three casualties.

Trinidad said government troops "are now relentlessly pursuing the withdrawing ASG.”

The Joint Task Group Basilan deployed more elite forces into areas where the bandits may have sought sanctuary.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/119407/3-abu-sayyaf-bandits-killed-scores-wounded-in-basilan-clash