1 suspected Abu Sayyaf bandit killed, another hurt in Sulu clash

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Fighting sparked between government troops and members of the Abu Sayyaf group Tuesday dawn in the jungle of Patikul town, Sulu, killing a suspected Abu Sayaff bandit and wounding another.

Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, commander of the Joint Task Group Sulu (JTGS), said the troops from 35th Infantry Battalion, under Lt. Col. Mars Gayat, launched pursuit operations when they encountered 20 Abu Sayyaf members about 5:50 a.m. Tuesday in Barangay Latih, Patikul, Sulu.

The encounter, which lasted for 20 minutes, was a result of military operation against the Abu Sayyaf bandits responsible for killing two soldiers in an ambush last Sunday.

The Abu Sayyaf fatality was left behind by his escaping comrade while the wounded member named Isran, a close follower of Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf spokesman Muammar Askali remained missing.

The troops recovered backpacks and war paraphernalia, including six short magazines for M16 rifle with 24 rounds of live ammunition, a handheld ICOM radio, a military global positioning system (GPS), caliber .45 holster, three hammocks, military and police uniforms, ammunition magazine pouch and jihadist documents.

Arrojado said that they relentlessly pursue the bandits in the area.

“Troops continued the pursuit and clearing operation and additional troops were deployed to reinforce the relentless hunt,” Arrojado said.