Troops clash with Sayyaf in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Troops are believed to have killed or wounded an undetermined number of Abu Sayyaf terrorists during a clash in the jungles of Sulu on Saturday.

No government casualties were reported.

Maj. Eugene Batara, Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) spokesman, said the fighting occurred in Mt. Mabigtang, Maimbung town against an Abu Sayyaf band led by Albader Parad.

"Fighting ensued for 30 minutes which resulted in undetermined enemy casualties that forced the Abu Sayyaf terrorists to withdraw to the deep jungle," he said.

Batara said troops from the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion were conducting clearing operations when they chanced upon an undetermined number of Abu Sayyaf terrorists at about 2:45 p.m.

"The operation against the Abu Sayyaf terrorists continued without let-up," he said.

Meanwhile, a decorated Marine commander who led the "neutralization" of the Abu Sayyaf has been named Westmincom deputy chief.

Marine Brig. Gen. Juancho Sabban, who commanded the Marines in Sulu for two years, spearheaded the manhunt for Abu Sayyaf chieftain Khadaffy Janjalani last year.

Sabban was also credited for the "neutralization" of Aldam Tilao alias Abu Sabaya almost 5 years ago off the coast of Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte.

Tilao was one of the five Abu Sayyaf wanted by the US government for the kidnapping of Americans and the beheading of American Guillermo Sobero.

Among the five Abu Sayyaf leaders, only Isnilon Hapilon remains alive and is believed to be hiding in Sulu.

Tilao, Janjalani, Hamsiraji Sali and Abu Solaiman have all been "neutralized" with US help. – Roel Pareño