ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - A suspected Abu Sayyaf member was killed while another was captured in separate incidents in Sulu and Basilan provinces, according to security official Friday.
The slain Abu Sayyaf member, who remained unidentified, was shot after attacking Master Sergeant Esmeraldo Manugay Friday dawn at Barangay Buhanginan, Patikul town, Sulu.
Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, commander of the Joint Task Group Sulu (JTGS), said Manugay, a duty sentinel guard was making his rounds in the periphery of the headquarters of the 10th Infantry Battalion when the suspect snuck from behind. He hacked and tried to grab Manugay's firearm.
Arrojado said scuffle ensued as Manugay, despite wounded on his back and head, grappled with the suspect.
Another soldier on duty responded and shot the attacker who was killed.
Arrojado said the troops immediately scoured the vicinity to check possible accomplices of the slain militant.
Meanwhile, a suspected Abu Sayyaf member was captured by the joint police and intelligence units in Lantawan town, Basilan past Thursday midnight.
The suspect identified as Abdulla Mutalib alias Yusop was captured in Barangay Matikang about 12:55 a.m. by the joint police operatives of Lantawan, Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU), 53rd and 54th Special Action Force Company (SAC).
The suspect was brought to the police headquarters and placed under further tactical interrogation.