6 Abu suspects killed in separate Basilan clashes; 3 soldiers wounded

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Six suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed while three government soldiers were wounded in two separate encounters in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan on Monday morning, the military said.

This as General Rey Ardo, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, said the military launched ground assaults against the Abu Sayyaf group led by Furuji Indama and Isnilon Hapilon in the village Silangkom.

Ardo said the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in the area was informed about the military operation.

“The MILF committed not to move from their present location in case troops clashed with the ASG,” he said.

Col. Carlito Galvez, chief of the 104th Army Brigade, said the first encounter happened at around 5:40 a.m. Monday in Silangkom village, where two bandits were killed and two soldiers were injured.

Four hours later, another clash broke out in Kurellem village, leaving four bandits killed and a soldier wounded.