Troops seize Abu Sayyaf camp in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA City, Philippines - Troops pursuing members of the Abu Sayyaf Group on Monday took over the bandits' encampment in the mountains of Sulu province.

Capt. Ma. Rowena Muyuela, spokesperson of Armed Forces' Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), chanced upon a group of bandits in BArangay Langhub, Patikul town shortly after 6 a.m.

As the bandits retreated, troops under the Joint Task Group Sulu (JTGS) discovered the encampment with 42 structures and can accomodate at least 100 people.

Muyuela said troops recovered from the camp empty shells of ammunition the 57rr, M60, M203, AK47, M14 and M16, two icoms, "buga" gun, four jungle hammocks, eight combat boots, a pair of civilan boots, nine backpacks, 15-battle dress uniform pants, four upper battle dress uniform jackets, four military shirts, a solar panel, 21 water containers, three solar headlights, two sandals and six slippers.

Muyuela said the bandits could have hurriedly left the camp to avoid the approaching government troops.