2 women killed as soldiers, Abu Sayyaf bandits clash in Lamitan City

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Two women were killed when government forces and suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits clashed in Barangay Bohe-Ibu in Lamitan City, on Monday.

The Basilan police said elements from the Army’s 3rd Scout Ranger were responding to a report about the presence of armed men in the village when they were met with gunfire around 6 a.m.

“Troops of the 13th SRC were able to penetrate the encampment, where several fox holes were discovered. The encounter ended at about 8:30 a.m. of the same date,” Chief Insp. Gean Gallardo told the Philippine Daily Inquirer by text message.

Gallardo identified the two slain women as Amparing Acalul Sailun and Ananang Oggol. Another person, identified as Eddie Haraman, was injured in the clash.

Maj. Gen. Demy Tejares, commander of the Joint Task Force Zambasulta, said the target of the operation was Nurhassan Lahaman, a member of the Abu Sayyaf.

But Tejares said the details of the clash were still scant but what he knew was that the operation was carried out in support of the police, which was trying to arrest Lahaman.  SFM