2 Sayyaf men arrested in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Government troops captured two Abu Sayyaf bandits following an encounter in Sulu before dawn yesterday.

Two high-powered firearms were recovered from Nadsfar Abdulla and Delson Kansiong, Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said.

Sobejana said soldiers belonging to the 2nd Special Forces Battalion led by Lt. Col. Jessie Montoya encountered the bandits led by Indang Susukan in Barangay Lagasan Higad, Parang.

Sobejana said pursuit operations for the other bandits are ongoing. 

At least 85 bandits have been arrested since January. Twelve were nabbed in Basilan, 50 in Sulu, 16 in Zamboanga and seven in Tawi-Tawi.