Troops reinforce MILF men in clash with Abus

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Government troops reinforced Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters in clashes with about 50 Abu Sayyaf bandits that resulted in the death of a militant in Sumisip town in Basilan Saturday. 

An MILF rebel was wounded in the encounter, the military said.

Reports said the MILF men encountered a combined group of followers of Abu Sayyaf leaders Radzmil Janatul, alias Khubayb; Juhaibel Alamsirul, alias Abu Kik, and Pasil Bayali at about 10 a.m. in Barangay Pamatsaken. 

Col. Roland Joselito Bautista, chief of the Army’s 104th Infantry Battalion, said soldiers backed by an armored vehicle, along with members of the MILF and Barangay Sumisip Central chairman Marjim Barillo responded, prompting the bandits to retreat toward Barangay Baiwas.

He said the soldiers helped in taking the wounded MILF member, identified as Sahid Liberal alias Balinting, to the Basilan Community Hospital in Isabela City for treatment.

Meanwhile, Bautista said government troops backed by MILF forces launched a manhunt for the fleeing bandits.