3 Abu Sayyaf members killed in clash with Army

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Government troops on Thursday morning attacked the Abu Sayyaf group and left three militants killed in the jungle of Basilan province, security officials said.

The military confirmed that seven soldiers were also hurt during the firefight.

The troops from Task Group Basilan under Col. Rolando Joselito Bautista pounced on the combined groups of Abu Sayyaf leaders Furuji Indama and Nurhassan Jamiri in the mountain of Tipo-Tipo town about 6:55 a.m., the military said.

Bautista, in his reports to Rear Admiral Reynaldo Yoma, chief of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao and current commander of the Joint Task Force Zambasulta, said the troops managed to penetrate the harbor area of the Abu Sayyaf group in Sitio Magkawa, Barangay Silangkum at dawn and stormed the militants at daybreak.

Bautista said fighting sparked for almost an hour that left three bandits killed before the Abu Sayyaf managed to break out from engagement and retreat toward the forested area for refuge.

Capt. Ma. Rowena Muyuela, spokesperson of Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said at least seven soldiers have been wounded, including one described to be with “major injuries.” They were airlifted to the military hospital in Zamboanga City for treatment.

Muyuela said pursuit operation has been ongoing against the fleeing Abu Sayyaf bandits.

The military forces have been tracking the groups of Indama and Jamiri, two of the most wanted Abu Sayyaf leaders in Basilan who were blamed for bombings and kidnapping incidents.