Abu Sayyaf member captured in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Government troops captured an Abu Sayyaf member while two others escaped during operation Monday dawn in the village of Patikul, Sulu.

The military identified the Abu Sayyaf member as Basir Aden, who was captured at Sitio Tubig Patong, Barangay Danag.

Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, commander of Joint Task Group Sulu (JTGS), said the troopers of the 35th Infantry Battalion were on foot patrol when they chanced upon the three Abu Sayyaf members about 4 a.m. in Barangay Buhanginan.

The three suspects dashed upon seeing the approaching troopers toward their direction. The soldiers captured Aden but his two companions managed to escape.

Arrojado said the soldiers recovered a caliber .45 pistol and ammunition from the possession of the captured suspect. He was later turned over to the custody of the local police for the proper filing of charges.