Abu Sayyaf used women as front-line fighters

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines –The Abu Sayyaf used women fighters as “front liners” during the encounter with Army soldiers in Sulu last Sunday, a security official said on Tuesday.

“The wounded rangers said they were approaching their targets when they encountered armed women,” said Ensign Chester Ramos, spokesman for Joint Task Group Zambasulta, citing the statement of the wounded soldiers who were confined at the Camp Navarro General Hospital.

Ramos said a soldier was killed and six others were wounded in the encounter with Abu Sayyaf bandits in Barangay Bungkaong in Patikul town.

He said the task group is investigating the presence of female Abu Sayyaf combatants and the extent of their participation in the firefights.