MANILA, Philippines – Two Abu Sayyaf terrorists were killed in a shootout with troops in Indanan, Sulu yesterday.
Army Scout Rangers fought the bandits starting at 6:45 a.m., according to Brig. Gen. Arnel de la Vega, commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu.
The body of one of the slain terrorists was recovered at the scene of fighting, while residents saw the other body being dragged by retreating comrades.
An M16 rifle with an M203 grenade launcher, and an improvised explosive device were recovered in the possession of the slain terrorist.
The number of Abu Sayyaf killed rose to 38 since President Duterte ordered a crackdown on the terrorists since he assumed office late June.
The government suffered 15 killed in action and 28 others wounded in the same period.
Army Scout Rangers rushed to the area after local residents reported the presence of at least eight Abu Sayyaf in a barangay in Indanan town.
De la Vega believes that the Abu Sayyaf band has splintered into small groups to evade pursuing soldiers and the bandits are planting IEDs in their route of withdrawal to delay their pursuers.
Six hours later, eight soldiers were wounded in a shootout with another Abu Sayyaf band in Patikul town.
Troops from the Army’s 21st Infantry Battalion clashed with about 100 bandits in Barangay Panglayahan at 12:44 p.m., according to Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command spokesman Maj. Filemon Tan.
As of this writing, the fighting was still going on and ground units have been directed to block all possible escape routes. – Non Alquitran, Alexis Romero, Roel Pareño