7 MNLF men wounded in clash with ASG in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY—Seven members of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) were wounded in a clash with Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in the town of Indanan, Sulu province last Friday (April 24).

Lt. Col. Esnani Mai, MNLF coordinator, said the clash took place at the village of Buanza around 9 a.m.

Mai, in a statement released by Joint Task Force Sulu, said the MNLF men encountered at least 50 ASG gunmen in a clash that lasted some 40 minutes.

The task force said prior to the clash, MNLF forces under Commander Abraham Joel were on patrol following reports about ASG presence in the area.

The local terrorists were reported to be hiding near MNLF community at the village of Kagay, also in Indanan.

The seven wounded MNLF men suffered minor injuries and brought to Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital.

One of them was airlifted to this city for further treatment.

Col. Ignatius Patrimonio, head of the 1002nd Infantry Brigade, said his unit received reports that several ASG members were also wounded.

Patrimonio identified the leaders of the ASG that clashed with the MNLF as Taun Annoh and Apoh Mike.

They were involved in the kidnapping of Indonesians in waters off Sabah last Jan. 17, Patrimonio said.

Edited by TSB