Suspected Abu Sayyaf chief killed in Basilan

MANILA, Philippines - A suspected Abu Sayyaf leader who launched an attack that claimed the lives of 11 people in Basilan last month was killed by government troops in an encounter on Saturday.

In a statement yesterday, Navy spokesman Lt. Col. Edgard Arevalo said Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Abugao Abayali was killed after he tried to raid a Marine detachment in the municipality of Sumisip in Basilan.

He said the group of Abayali attacked elements of a civilian militia group and two intelligence personnel at around 4:50 a.m. in Sitio Tilling, Barangay Guiong. “The engaged troops immediately requested for fire support from the Marine Battalion Landing Team-7 and six rounds of 81mm mortar were delivered within the assaulting enemy position,” Arevalo said.

He said an elite platoon from the Marine Batallion Landing Team-7 also came to provide assistance to the besieged troops.

“After two hours of firefight, the enemy withdrew, dragging with them an undetermined number of casualties. An enemy was also killed during the encounter. One of those wounded, identified as Abugao Abayali later died,” Arevalo said.

Two militia men were killed and one Marine was wounded due to the incident.