Abu Sayyaf fighter killed in Sulu encounter

ZAMBOANGA CITY– The military in Sulu encountered an estimated 60 Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members and killed one of them during the encounter in Barangay Bungkaong, Patikul, Sulu

Armed Forces of the Philippines - Western Mindanao Command (AFPWesMinCom) Spokesman Army Lt . Col. Gerry M. Besana said the ASG fighters were followers of Almujer Yadah and Idang Susukan, notorious leaders of the ASG in Sulu province.

Besana said Joint Task Force Sulu (JTF) reported that one of the ASG gunmen was killed during the encounter last Monday at 9 a.m.

“One enemy was killed, based on dead body recovered during the clearing operation, identified as Muin while no casualty was recorded on the government side,” he said.

The military also recovered an M16 rifle left behind by the ASG.

He said that due to the superior firepower of the government forces, the bandits were forced to withdraw and escape in different direction inside the forested areas of the village.

According to Besana the firearm is temporarily under the custody of the Joint Task Force Sulu prior turnover to higher headquarters.

AFP-WesMinCom commander Lt Gen Arnel dela Vega said: “This latest encounter only shows how persistent our forces are to track down the terrorist groups wherever they go to make sure that they are decimated and that remaining kidnap victims are also rescued. We also have to give due recognition to the support of the local community in directing our troops to the terrorists’ location proving that they are already tired of the menace they bring to their locality.”