MANILA, Philippines -Dalawang bandidong miyembro ng Abu Sayyaf Group ang napatay habang anim namang sundalo ng Joint Task Group Basilan ang nasugatan sa naganap na encounter sa liblib na bahagi ng Barangay Kuhon, bayan ng Al Barka, Basilan kahapon.
Ayon kay Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, hepe ng public affairs office ng AFP, tumagal ang bakabak ng 7-oras kung saan nasagip ang limang sibilyang binihag ng mga bandido.
“The AFP commends the troops of Joint Task Group Basilan for rescuing five innocent civilians who were shot by Abu Sayyaf bandits as they retreated in the running gun battle with government troops in Barangay Kuhon, Al Barka, Basilan starting at 5:45 a.m. today,” sabi ni Cabunoc.
Nakasagupa ng pangkat ni Sayyaf Kumander Bashir Kasaran ang tropa ng militar kung saan dalawang bandido ang napatay habang dalawa pa ang nasugatan.
“We also commend the heroic pilots of MG MD-520 attack helicopter that was hit by enemy fire while providing close air support to the ground troops which were swarmed by the bandits,” dagdag pa ng opisyal.