3 Abus slain in Basilan encounter

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Three suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed in an encounter with Army Scout Rangers in Sumisip, Basilan shortly before noon yesterday.

The military said four soldiers were wounded in the firefight that broke out at around 11:50 a.m. in the hinterlands of Barangay Baiwas.

Navy Capt. Roy Vincent Trinidad, deputy chief of the Joint Task Group Basilan, said troopers under Col. Rolando Bautista were conducting a clearing operation when they encountered at least 50 followers of Abu Sayyaf sub-leaders Radzmil Jannatul and Katatuh Balaman.

Trinidad said the firefight lasted 40 minutes.

The bandits fled, bringing with them their wounded comrades, Trinidad said citing reports submitted by Bautista.

He said the wounded soldiers were brought to a hospital for treatment as the military deployed additional troops to pursue the militants.

Government security forces have been launching military offensives against the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan and Sulu to compel the group to release its hostages.

Meanwhile, in Davao del Norte, two suspected New People’s Army guerrillas were nabbed by security forces in Panabo City for extortion.

The military identified the suspects as Gary Francisco Bayoang, 25, of Paquibato, Davao City and Daniel Francisco Bayoang, 19, of Panabo City.

The suspects were brought to the Panabo City police station for investigation.  – With Alexis Romero