2 Abus slain in Basilan clash
Two suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed while a soldier was wounded in a clash near a public school in Tipo-Tipo town in Basilan Tuesday afternoon, reports said.
Lt. Col. Edgard Arevalo, Navy spokesman, said the troops acted on information that some 30 terrorists were massing up at the back of the
Arevalo said men of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 10, who were conducting road security operations, responded to the scene but were met with sniper fire.
He said terrified students and teachers scampered for safety as the fierce gun battle raged on.
Reports said the Abu Sayyaf group was also behind the recent spate of kidnappings in the island province.
Arevalo said the bandits stole a motorcycle three months ago and Abu Sayyaf commander Jamiri used it.
“(The motorcycle) was earlier seized by the Tipo-Tipo police and this was what they attempted to take back,” he said.
Last Sunday, the Abu Sayyaf freed three hostages, including a 14-year-old boy, in Tipo-Tipo after eight days in captivity.
As of the second quarter this year, the Armed Forces has placed the strength of the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf at 356 men and 291 firearms. – James Mananghaya, Roel Pareño
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