3 ASG members die in Sulu clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 29): 3 ASG members die in Sulu clash

Three members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) were killed in a clash with soldiers in an island town in the province of Sulu.

Col. Jesus Mananquil, newly-installed Joint Task Force Sulu commander, on Tuesday said the troops of the 11th Scout Ranger Company were on security patrol when they clashed with around 30 armed Abu Sayyaf bandits in Capual Island, Omar, Sulu.

Mananquil said the Abu Sayyaf bandits fled and dragged along the remains of two of their three slain companions during the firefight that broke out around 3:45 p.m. Monday in Capual Island.

Mananquil said the troops have recovered the remains of the other slain bandit, whose identity has yet to be determined.

He said the troops have received information from the residents in the area that some of the fleeing bandits were also wounded.

He said the troops, who incurred no casualty, have recovered three “jungkung” type motorized bancas being used by the bandits, a Garand rifle, ammunition, solar panel, automotive battery, improvised explosive device components, and documents.

“The successful military operation was a result of the cooperation of the people of Sulu in our campaign against the ASG and their evil deeds,” he said.

He said the soldiers are motivated by the strong public support and “are determined to continue to pursue the ASG until it is destroyed and until all hostages are rescued.”

The Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf brigands are still holding captives 13 people that included: five Malaysians; four Filipinos; two Indonesians; a Dutchman; and, a Korean.

“We will not stop until the scourge of the ASG will be finally put to a complete stop. We will prevail as we have a reinvigorated cooperation of the people of Sulu who are suffering due to the existence of these barbaric bandits,” Manangquil added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=944317