ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – At least three Abu Sayyaf militants were killed and four Army Scout Rangers were wounded in a clash yesterday in the hinterlands of Sumisip town in Basilan, the military said.
Troops of the 12th Scout Ranger Company and 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion were conducting an operation when they encountered around 100 Abu Sayyaf rebels in Sitios Baag and Bohe Dinigpian in Barangay Guiong, Sumisip at around 10:45 a.m. yesterday, said Capt. Alberto Caber, public affairs chief of the Army’s 1st Tabak Division.
The Abu Sayyaf fighters were reportedly led by Juhayver Alamsirul, alias Abu Kik.
“The firefight lasted for two hours. The engaged troops were supported by artillery and air assets,” Caber said.
The military said a running gunbattle ensued, as the militants retreated toward the forest to escape the pursuing Scout Rangers.
Two MG520 attack helicopter gunships from 530th Air Wing based at Edwin Andrews Air Base provided air attack support.