Abu Sayyaf leader in Sipadan kidnapping killed in Sulu

Sulu. (Image from Google Maps)

MANILA, Philippines — The remaining Abu Sayyaf leader involved in the kidnapping of 21 tourists in Sipadan, Borneo, 19 years ago was killed in an encounter with Army soldiers in Sulu, the military said.

Joint Task Force Sulu acting spokesperson Lt. Col. Ralf de Mesa said the body of Angah Ajid was one of the two human remains recovered after a 10-minute firefight on Tuesday afternoon.

De Mesa said elements of the 2nd Special Forces Battalion figured in a gunbattle with five Abu Sayyaf bandits in Barangay Upper Binuang in Talipao town at past 4 p.m.

The clash erupted when soldiers acted on reports of civilians who said there were suspicious armed men in the area.

Aside from the bodies of the two bandits, soldiers also recovered from the scene one M14 rifle and one M16 rifle with an M203 grenade launcher. /cbb