Sayyaf rebels, Scout Rangers clash

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Abu Sayyaf was believed to have suffered heavy casualties in a clash with Scout Rangers in the coastal Sulu town of Indanan last Monday, the military said.

Col. Hilario Atendido, spokesman of the military’s Southern Command, said elements of the First Scout Ranger Battalion encountered about 80 followers of Abu Sayyaf leader Ghalib Andang, alias Commander Robot, in Barangay Panabutan, Indanan town, and a two-hour firefight ensued. — Roel Pareño