Army official, 4 soldiers slain in Basilan

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – An army major and four soldiers were killed in an ambush believed perpetrated by suspected Abu Sayyaf militants in Al-Barka, Basilan yesterday aternoon.

The military said the ambush sparked an encounter after reinforcements from the government security forces responded.

Col. Carlito Galvez, commander of the 104th Army Brigade, based Tabiawan, Isabela City, confirmed the incident but refused to give details as he was directing the pursuit operations in al-Barka.

Military sources said among the fatalities were Major Alin Kannung, executive officer of the 32nd Infantry Battalion, and four enlisted personnel of the 18th Infantry Battalion.

Reports said the incident, which happened at past 4 p. m. in Barangay Makalang, was perpetrated by a still undetermined number of Abu Sayyaf militants.

Col. Rodrigo Gregorio, spokesman of Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said military helicopters  were dispatched to back-up the government forces.