Military: 6 Abu Sayyaf members killed in Sulu clash, leader believed wounded

From GMA News (Feb 10): Military: 6 Abu Sayyaf members killed in Sulu clash, leader believed wounded

Six suspected Abu Sayyaf members were killed in an encounter with government forces in Sulu over the weekend, with military officials confirming reports that the group's top leader, Yasser Igasan, was among those wounded.

“Nandun si Igasan [sa encounter site], however... ang alam lang namin according to our reports slightly wounded sya,” said Col. Jose Johriel Cenabre of the Second Marine Brigade.

Igasan succeeded Khaddafy Janjalani as the group's leader in 2007 after Janjalani was killed in military operations in 2006.

The clash, which lasted from morning until sundown, occurred last Saturday in Brgy. Mabahay in Talipao, Sulu, considered as a stronghold of the al Qaeda-linked bandit group.

“Meron rin tayong confirmed na anim na napatay natin na ASG [Abu Sayyaf Group],” Cenabre said. “We are very careful to engage them because [that is] their stronghold and their camp is even in the barangay mismo.”

On the part of the government forces, six civilian volunteers were wounded, Cenabre also said.

He said as early as Monday last week, authorities have been “carefully watching” Abu Sayyaf's activities in the area.

“We are looking on the Abu Sayyaf activities in that barangay, and of course sa barangay na 'yan, it will also involve 'yung kanilang families [that is why] our units were very careful,” Cenabre said.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/347792/news/regions/military-6-abu-sayyaf-members-killed-in-sulu-clash-leader-believed-wounded