At least 1 Abu Sayyaf dead in encounter with Marines

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Marines encountered a big group of Abu Sayyaf bandits Tuesday morning which left an undetermined number of casualties and the recovery of five high-powered assault rifles in the mountain of Sulu, according to military official.

Col. Alan Arrojado, chief of the Joint Task Group Sulu, said the troops found a slain Abu Sayyaf member but believed there were more casualties based on the description of the assault.

Arrojado said the elements of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 8 encountered the group about 8:10 a.m. Tuesday in the jungle of Barangay Liang Patikul town.

Marines pounced on the militants harboring in the vicinity, which triggered a firefight.

Arrojado said the Abu Sayyaf bandits who suffered casualties retreated and dragged their companions away. One was left behind, including several firearms.

No casualty was reported on the part of the Marines.

Among the high-powered firearms recovered include M14 sniper rifle, M16 and M4 both attached with M203 grenade launchers, M79 grenade launcher, M1 Garrand rifle and other ammunition.

Arrojado said the Marines believed the assault weapons possibly belong to high ranking officers of the Abu Sayyaf group.

The troops also recovered two motorcycle units used by the bandits for mobility and operation.