Two members of the dreaded Abu Sayyaf Group were killed while a member of auxiliary force was wounded in separate military operations against the Islamic State-linked terrorist group in Basilan and Sulu Monday and Sunday.
Col. Gerry Besana, spokesman of the Western Mindanao Command said the bandits were killed in a clash in Sampinit Complex, Masola, Isabela town and in Simisa Island in Banguinguie, Tongkil, Sulu.
Besana said the first bandit was slain in a 15-minute encounter between a group of ASG and troops from the Special Forces under 1Lt Butale and 1Lt Mabansag who were leading a combat operations in Sampinit Complex at 5:30 p.m. Monday.
After the fighting, Besana said the ASG group retreated, leaving a comrade dead. Troops recovered the M14 rifle from the slain ASG bandit.
The encounter began after residents reported the presence of the ASG in their community.
The second ASG bandit was killed in another encounter between army soldiers of the 62nd Marine Company led by Lt. Bacani and some 15 ASG members under sub-leader Salip Murah.
Besana said the soldiers under Joint Task Force Sulu were patrolling mangrove area when they chanced upon the group of armed men that led to a firefight resulting to the death of an ASG member and the recovery of an R4 rifle.
“Vigilance and cooperation of the people is key in fighting the terrorist groups, and we are thankful for their continued support to our troops”, Lt Gen Dela Vega added.
Col. Fernando Reyeg, Joint Task Force Basilan commander and leader of the Army’s 104th Infantry Brigade, also confirmed the incident.
Reyeg said troops are tracking down the bandits, who fled to different directions. With PNA
