2 dead, 5 hurt as troops clash with bandits in Basilan

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - - At least two government paramilitary troopers were killed while five others, including two bandits, were wounded when government troops encountered Friday suspected Abu Sayyaf militants in the mountain village of Sumisip town, Basilan province,  security officials said.

Col. Carlito Galvez, commander of the Basilan’s 104th Army Brigade, said the military troopers with the Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) active auxiliary and civilian volunteers launched the operation following reports of presence of about 15 bandits under a certain Kotatong Balaman at sitio Bohe, Barangay Sukaten.

Galvez said that fighting sparked about 6:30 a.m. and continued  for more than 30 minutes and left two paramilitary troopers dead, and three other civilian volunteers wounded.

He said the bandit group, which is associated to Abu Sayyaf militants, had two wounded members and escaped toward the inner jungle to evade government forces.

The slain troopers were identified as Duminta Gulinda and Bejo Sampang, while the three other wounded were Almirin Pantao, Omar Jadjales and Oloy Malanji who were brought to the hospital in Isabela City for treatment.

Lt. Col. Leondro Dacumos, commander of the 64th Infantry Battalion,  said his forces conducted the operation following the information provided by the villagers about the presence of the bandits at the water system project of the local government of Sumisip town planning to conduct sabotage.

Lt. Col. Dacumos believed that his forces have inflicted even more casualties from the retreating militants as blood stains were discovered along the escape route.