4 Abu Sayyaf bandits killed in Sulu battle

Government troops killed four Abu Sayyaf bandits in stepped-up operations on Sunday morning in Sulu province following the beheading of their elderly German hostage last week, the military said.

Members of the 64th Marine Company, Marine Special Operations Group, were conducting military operations in Maimbung town when they encountered the bandits, according to the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).

“These successes would not be possible if not for the swift reaction of the troops and the help of the informants,” said Maj. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., the Westmincom chief.

“Our troops are more than motivated to go after these bandits who know nothing but to victimize innocent civilians for their own personal gain,” he said.

“Rest assured that your troops will not stop until these bandits surrender and are no longer able to create havoc and fear in the communities,” he added.

Col. Cirilito Sobejana, chief of Joint Task Force Sulu, said the Marines were deployed at Barangay Lumipad, Talipao, Sulu, after informants reported the presence of the bandits there on Saturday night.

A heavy fire fight erupted shortly after the Marines arrived in the area at about 4:30 a.m. on Sunday, the military said.