4 Abu Sayyaf men killed; firearms seized by MNLF in Sulu

Four members of the Abu Sayyaf were killed in an encounter with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Sulu on Tuesday, the military said.

Western Mindanao Command spokesperson said the clash between the group of Abu Sayyaf leader Misaya and MNLF commanders led by Taib Sahibad, Alih Kipli and Abraham Joel, broke out in Brgy. Tanjung, Kalinggalang Caluang town at about 7 a.m.

The four slain Abu Sayyaf members included Jennor Lahab alias Jim Dragon, a follower of Misaya and said to be involved in the kidnapping of 10 Indonesians last March and in an encounter with the group of former Kalinggalang Caluang Mayor Jerry Misuari in April last year.

An unidentified rebel believed to be his Lahab’s son was also killed. Two other bodies were recovered by the MNLF.

Tan said the MNLF was also able to recover two M14 rifles, one M16 rifle and one M4 rifle./rga