4 killed as military, Abu Sayyaf clash in Basilan

MANILA, Philippines — Four people were killed, including an Army officer, in a clash between government soldiers and members of Abu Sayyaf Group in Al Barka in Basilan Monday afternoon, the military said in a report Tuesday.

The troops were onboard a military vehicle on their way to Bohe Piyang village to distribute livestock when it encountered at least 30 armed bandits led by Basar Kasaran and Musana Jamiri and figured in a heavy exchange of fire at about 3 p.m, Colonel Carlito Galvez of the Army’s 104th Brigade based in Basilan told INQUIRER.net in a phone interview.

The fatalities from the government side were Major Alin Kannung and Technical Sergeant Ferdinand Costan.

Four soldiers were also wounded from the clash and were airlifted to Zamboanga CIty.

Two Abu Sayyaf were killed during the encounter, Galvez said.