17 Sayyaf men, 1 soldier killed in Sulu, Basilan clashes

ZAMBOANGA CITY – At least 17 Abu Sayyaf bandits and a soldier were killed in clashes in Sulu and Basilan on Wednesday, the military had claimed.

Col. Allan Arrojado, commander of the Joint Task Group Sulu, said troops of the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion under Lt. Col. Eugene Boquio clashed with more or less 80 bandits identified under Yasser Igasan and Alhabshi Misaya in sitio Marang in Barangay Buanza Indanan town around 5:30 p.m.

He said the government did not suffer any casualty but “reports from ground troops, intelligence units, civilians and action agents” had it that at least 15 bandits had been killed.

He said it was only the initial report.

“Hopefully we’ll see more (bodies) tomorrow (Thursday) during the search,” Arrojado said.

In Basilan, two Abu Sayyaf bandits and a soldier were killed while several other gunmen had been wounded during a clash in Barangay Baiwas in Sumisip town around 11 a.m. Wednesday.

Col. Rolando Bautista, commander of the Joint Task Group Basilan, said soldiers were conducting combat operation when they encountered at least 60 members of the Abu Sayyaf.

“The firefight unfortunately resulted in one killed and one wounded on the government side while reportedly, two had been killed and six wounded on the side of the ASG,” Bautista said.

Troops were still in pursuit of the withdrawing enemies, Bautista said.