Basilan clashes leave 2 Abus dead, 6 hurt

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Two members of the bandit group Abu Sayyaf were killed and six others were wounded in separate encounters with government troops in Sumisip, Basilan on Tuesday, a military official said yesterday.

A bandit was wounded in the first encounter that erupted around 11 a.m, according to Col. Rolando Joselito Bautista, commander of the 104th Infantry Brigade. The bandits – led by Juhaibel Alamsirul, alias Abu Kik – retreated toward Barangay Baiwas.

After an hour, Bautista said the soldiers were met by sniper fire at the border of Pamatsaken-Baiwas area, prompting another gunfight that lasted for almost two hours.

Two bandits were killed and five others were wounded as the military conducted air strikes. 

Reports from the Joint Task Group Zambasulta under Rear Admiral Reynaldo Yoma identified the fatalities as an alias Sandatan and Usop Balaman. Four of the wounded were identified as Naim and Ammeng, brothers of Alamsirul; Ongget Ladjaman; and an alias Mahdar Saatan, who are followers of Radzmil Janatul, alias Khubayb.

The soldiers recovered two M16 assault rifles and an improvised explosive device. 

Bautista said the group is believed to be responsible for the killing of six soldiers, including 2nd Lt. Jun Corpuz, while the victims were providing security during the completion of the Basilan circumferential road last November.