5 Abu Sayyaf members killed in Sulu clash –military

From GMA News (Mar 2): 5 Abu Sayyaf members killed in Sulu clash –military

Five suspected Abu Sayyaf members were killed Wednesday in an encounter with government forces in Indanan, Sulu, the military said Thursday.

Eleven soldiers were wounded in the clash, which occurred in Barangay Bud Taran, but only one of them was in serious condition, according to the Armed Forces' Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom).

The wounded soldiers were evacuated to the Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Hospital for medical attention, it added. On Wednesday, AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said a total of 43 Abu Sayyaf members have been killed from November 1, 2016 to March 1, 2017.

Meanwhile, Wesmincom commander Maj. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. said the military is doing its best to neutralize the Abu Sayyaf and rescue its remaining hostages following the beheading of German national Juergen Kantner over the weekend.

"The Joint Task Force Sulu continues to intensify the conduct of offensives against the Abu Sayyaf to neutralize the bandits and ensure the safe rescue of the remaining hostages," Galvez said.

"All measures are being undertaken in accordance with the rules of engagement and with the support from the local government and the populace," he said.

Galvez said the military now is "at an advantage" in its intensified operations against the terrorist group since they are now getting help from other sectors.

"The Command is right now at an advantage since the Local Government Unit, the Moro National Liberation Front, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and the traditional leaders are helping the government troops in fighting terrorism by means of giving information, thus, resulting in the decisive encounter yesterday," he said.

"Terrorism is a sickening problem that needs all sectors of society's cooperation for it to be defeated. With the renewed vigor of those who are against it, we are optimistic that we will be able to crush the bandits within six months," Galvez added. 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/601651/news/regions/5-abu-sayyaf-members-killed-in-sulu-clash-military