MANILA, Philippines — Three suspected suicide bombers from the Abu Sayyaf Group were killed in an encounter with government security forces in Indanan, Sulu on Tuesday, a senior military official said.
The suspects were about to carry out a suicide bombing mission, when they were flagged down by Army soldiers in a checkpoint at Barangay Kan Islam in Indanan town shortly before 5 p.m., Western Mindanao Commander Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said in a statement.
The three suspects fired at the soldiers and a battle ensued for five minutes.
Two of the suspects were Egyptians — identified only as Abduramil and Abdurahman. One was Filipino, Sobejana said.
The Egyptians were believed to be a father and son. Sobejana said they are validating the information that the two suspects were related to the female suicide bomber who attacked a military outpost also in Sulu in September.
Army troops recovered two bomb vests with explosives and triggering devices, a .45-caliber pistol, and a hand grenade.
The bodies of the suspects were brought to Camp Gen. Teodulfo Bautista in Jolo.
In a security briefing at the House of Representatives, also on Tuesday, AFP deputy chief of staff for intelligence Maj. Gen. Reuben Basiao said they had identified seven foreign terrorists in Mindanao, while 60 others remain on their watchlist.
“Foreign terrorist fighters are consistently monitored in Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur and Sulu, planning to conduct suicide bombings as well as to provide funds and training,” he said.
/atm