MNLF rebel killed in Sulu clash

DAVAO CITY – A Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebel was killed and five Philippine Marine soldiers were wounded in fresh skirmishes Saturday night in Barangay Lower Patibulan, Panamao, Sulu.

According to the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) regional police office, the renewed clashes first took place at around 6:45 p.m. Saturday when rogue MNLF members under Ustadz Habier Malik ambushed elements of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 3 conducting a combat patrol operation.

The initial clash left one rebel dead and three others wounded.

The same combatants later clashed shortly before 10 p.m. in the vicinity of Barangay Lower Patibulan while the Marines were conducting clearing operations in the area.

Maj. Ramon David Hontiveros, spokesman of the military’s Western Mindanao Command, said the Marines received information on the presence of heavily armed MNLF fighters under Malik in Barangay Patibulan.

“When the Marines moved to confirm the report, they were attacked by the MNLF fighters at around 6:45 p.m. where one rebel was killed,” he said.

A high-powered firearm was also recovered.

“The Marines continued to pursue the gunmen, inflicting more casualties on their side,” he said.

Panamao is the former stronghold of Malik’s group, which is loyal to MNLF founder Nur Misuari.

Malik’s camp, which is located in Mount Bitan-ag, was captured by government forces a couple of years ago.

The renegade MNLF leader was also responsible for holding former government negotiator now Wesmincom chief Maj. Gen. Ben Dolorfino and his group when they went to his jungle camp. – With James Mananghaya