ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – At least six Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed in an offensive launched by government forces in Basilan and Sulu yesterday.
The military said 11 troopers were also wounded in the fresh encounters following President Duterte’s order to crush the Abu Sayyaf.
Troops under Joint Task Force Basilan continued their attack about 6:30 a.m. at Hill 490, a mountain where the Abu Sayyaf held defensive positions in Barangay Poblacion, Tipo-Tipo town, Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., spokesman for Western Mindanao Command, said.
Those killed were Abu Sayyaf members under sub leaders Radzmil Jannatul alias Khubayb and Guro Arah, Tan said.
Government troops recovered the bodies of the bandits and a caliber .50 heavy machine gun.