1 dead, 2 wounded in clash with Abu Sayyaf in Sulu

(Updated)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – An Abu Sayyaf member was killed and two others were wounded in a 20-minute clash in Barangay Saying Susuk, Maimbung town, Sulu on Tuesday afternoon.

Brigadier General Divino Rey Pabayo, commander of the 11th Infantry Division, said troops from the 41st Infantry Battalion encountered more than a dozen Abu Sayyaf members under the group of Idang Susukan.

“The soldiers were scouring the area when they encountered more or less 15 Abu, a fierce 20-minute firefight ensued, forcing the terrorists to withdraw, leaving behind one body and one severely wounded,” Pabayo said.

He identified the wounded Abu Sayyaf as Murtasil Paradjil also known as Muster Ibla.

He said a soldier was also wounded during the encounter.

Soldiers recovered from the clash site three M14 rifles, one M16 rifle, a bandolier for M14 magazine loaded with ammunition.

“The captured terrorist was immediately brought to Kuta Heneral Bautista Station Hospital for medical treatment,” he said.

He said Susukan’s group was part of the group that clashed with the 5th Scout Ranger Battalion on February 2 in the town of Patikul, where five Scout Rangers were killed and 18 others wounded.

“The Abu Sayyaf (had) splintered (themselves) into smaller groups to evade the pursuing government troops,” Pabayo said. /lzb