An Abu Sayyaf bandit and two civilians, including a seven-year-old child, were killed and three minors were wounded after fighting broke out between security forces and a group of terrorists in Zamboanga City Friday morning, an official said.
Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, spokesman of the Western Mindanao Command, initially reported the death of Abu Nibras, a Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf fighter, in an encounter with Marines in Sitio Logon in Limaong village around 5:30 am.
Besana said Abu Nibras was a trusted follower of the late Abu Sayyaf chieftain Isnilon Hapilon and the Basilan-based sub-leader Abdullah Indanan.
Abu Nibras was killed after residents of Limaong reported the presence of an armed group in the village.
That prompted troopers from the Marine Battalion Landing Team 11 under the Joint Task Force Zamboanga to go after the group, and a firefight followed.
“I commend the troops of the MBLT11 under the Joint Task Force Zamboanga, led by Colonel Leonel Nicolas, for being vigilant and valiant,” said Lieutenant General Arnel B. dela Vega, commander of the Western Mindanao Command.
A child and a woman were found dead after the firefight.
Nicolas, commander of Task Force Zamboanga, said the civilian fatalities and the three minors had been caught in the crossfire.