ISIS supporter hurt in Basilan clash

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - A senior Abu Sayyaf leader who pledged allegiance with the Islamic State militants had been wounded following encounter in Basilan, a security official reported here.

Navy Captain Roy Vincent Trinidad, chief of staff of the Joint Task Force Zambasulta, said the troops were tracking down to capture wounded Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon in the hinterland of Sumisip town.

Trinidad said Hapilon had been wounded following the clash with government troops last October 25 at the mountain of Barangay Baiwas, Sumisip town.

Hapilon sustained two gunshot wounds on his leg and another at his back but managed to escape after being dragged away by his close-in escorts.

The Abu Sayyaf leader, wanted by the US government, has a US$5-million bounty for his capture.

Hapilon and his men abducted 21 people from Dos Palmas resort in Palawan in 2001, including three Americans identified as missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham, and Guillermo Sobero.

The Abu Sayyaf beheaded Sobero as the security forces continued with their rescue operation in June 2001. Martin Burnham was shot to death while his wife Gracia survived the bloody rescue after more than a year in captivity

Hapilon and his faction recently pledged their allegiance with the ISIS and have been brandishing the black flags in their series of atrocities.

Trinidad said troops continued to hunt down Hapilon and his group who could be trying to slip out of Basilan.