13 Sayyaf, 2 soldiers killed in clashes

MANILA, Philippines – Thirteen Abu Sayyaf bandits and two soldiers were killed in clashes at Al Barka, Basilan yesterday.

Maj. Felimon Tan, spokesman for the Zamboanga City-based Western Mindanao Command (Wescom), said fighting broke out at around 5 a.m. and was still raging as of late yesterday afternoon in Barangay Makala.

The military, however, did not identify the slain troops and the 10 other wounded soldiers.

Tan said government troops encountered a large force of Abu Sayyaf, triggering a firefight that left 13 of 60 bandits dead.

As of yesterday afternoon, fighting continued as the troops supported by armored vehicles advanced toward an area where the bandit camp is located.

Aside from Sulu, the Abu Sayyaf also operate in Basilan, using the province as jump off point for their kidnapping and other criminal activities in Zamboanga peninsula and other areas of Mindanao.