SULU – Security forces killed 2 Abu Sayyaf militants in a fierce firefight Tuesday in the southern Filipino province of Sulu, officials said, adding, two other enemies had been wounded and captured in the battle in Panglima Estino town.
Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, a spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command, said no soldiers were killed or wounded in the clash that erupted in Lihbog Kabaw. He said soldiers from the 61st, 62nd, and 64th Marine Companies clashed with some 100 militants under Radulan Sahiron, Idang Susukan, and Almujer Yadah.
“Troops were conducting focused military operation when they encountered the bandits. No casualty was listed on the government side while two enemies were killed based on recovered bodies, and two were also wounded. Recovered in the encounter site were one M653 and one M14 rifles,” he said.
He said the wounded militants were brought to a military hospital in the capital town of Jolo while troops continue to hunt down Abu Sayyaf fighters who split in smaller groups and fled to the mountains.
Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, said security forces have intensified the operation in Sulu to rid the province of Abu Sayyaf. “I commend the troops of the Joint Task Force Sulu for the unrelenting efforts to eradicate the menace of society,” he said.
Authorities blamed the Abu Sayyaf, whose leaders have pledged allegiance with the Islamic State, for terrorism and cross-border ransom kidnappings in the South. The militants are still holding Filipino and foreign hostages in the region. (Mindanao Examiner)
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