Abu Sayyaf terrorist killed in Sulu clash

From the Manila Times (Sep 12): Abu Sayyaf terrorist killed in Sulu clash

Government troops clashed with Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) terrorists killing one of them in Sulu, officials said on Tuesday.

The fighting broke out on Monday in the village of Bungkaong in Patikul town after soldiers encountered about 60 bandits under Abu Sayyaf commanders Almujer Yadah and Idang Susukan.



There was no report of military casualties, according to Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, a spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom).

He said members of the 21st Infantry Battalion (21st IB) were deployed to the hinterlands of the town after villagers reported that the terrorists were holding several hostages in the area.

“In the continuing conduct of military operations to rescue the remaining kidnap victims in Sulu, soldiers under the 21st Infantry Battalion led by Lt. Col. Pagala, encountered more or less 60 Abu Sayyaf Group members under Almujer Yadah and Idang Susukan in Barangay Bungkaong, Patikul, Sulu at 9 this morning [Tuesday]. Due to the superior firepower of the government forces, the bandits were forced to withdraw and escape,” Besana reported.

He said soldiers recovered the body of the slain bandit, including his M16 automatic rifle.

Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, WestMinCom chief, praised the soldiers for their bravery and said the operations against the Abu Sayyaf would be relentless.

“This latest encounter only shows how persistent our forces are to track down the terrorist groups wherever they go to make sure that they are decimated and that remaining kidnap victims are also rescued.”

“We also have to give due recognition to the support of the local community in directing our troops to the terrorists’ location proving that they are already tired of the menace the terrorists bring to their locality,” he said.

The Abu Sayyaf is still holding about a dozen Filipino and foreign hostages.

Since January, dela Vega said, security forces have killed 32 militants in fighting in Sulu, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.

The Abu Sayyaf, whose leaders have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, is fighting for establishment of the caliphate in the troubled Mindanao region in southern Philippines.

https://www.manilatimes.net/abu-sayyaf-terrorist-killed-in-sulu-clash/440481/