3 Abu supporters slain

MANILA, Philippines - Three supporters of the Abu Sayyaf were killed yesterday morning in a clash with Scout Rangers in Sumisip, Basilan, the military said. 

Army chief Lt. Gen. Arturo Ortiz said the encounter erupted at around 8:30 a.m. yesterday in Barangay Etub-Etub, Sumisip town and lasted for 30 minutes.

Members of the 12th Scout Ranger Company were conducting patrols when they encountered about 20 armed men under a certain Abdulbaki Ismanul, alias Commander Sahili, and Nurrodin Mudalam, alias Commander Not.

Ortiz said the lawless group withdrew toward Saluping Island in Tabuan Lasa town on board three motorized bancas after the firefight.

The encounter left three of the bandits dead and one soldier wounded. Two M-16 rifles were recovered at the site of the encounter.

According to Army reports, the lawless group has been providing the logistical needs of the Abu Sayyaf.

The military dismissed reports that the encounter took place in an area controlled by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang, spokesman of the Armed Forces’ Western Mindanao Command, said the clash showed that government forces have been relentless in combating terrorism since the 9/11 attack in the United States a decade ago.

The Abu Sayyaf, which is believed to have links with international terror cells, has about 400 remaining members, according to military estimates.