Abu Sayyaf man killed, 2 wounded as gov’t troops clash with bandits in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines—A suspected member of the Abu Sayyaf was killed while a soldier and another bandit were wounded during a clash in Sulu on Thursday.

Rear Admiral Reynaldo Yoma, commander of the Naval Forces in Western Mindanao (Navforwem), said the clash took place when soldiers conducted an operation against the Abu Sayyaf in Barangay Sawaki in Indanan town.

He said the clash started when operating troops from the 35th Infantry Battalion, led by Maj. Ibni Saddama, pursued a band of bandits, led by Jul Aksan, alias Halimao.

“We have one wounded in action while our troops recovered one body from ASG,” Yoma said.

Col. Allan Arrojado, commander of the Joint Task Group Sulu, identified the slain bandit as Dindon Majan and the wounded Abu Sayyaf member based on intelligence sources as a certain Julpikal.

He said Julpikal was seen being carried by his fleeing comrades.

The name of the injured soldier was not provided.

Arrojado said blocking forces and “fire support” were being provided to the 35th IB soldiers, especially after reports that another band of Abu Sayyaf bandits were to reinforce Halimao’s group.

“The group has splintered after the encounter and were fleeing towards the direction of Sitio Purot (also in Barangay Sawaki), bringing with them their wounded comrade,” Arrojado said.