4 Abu Sayyaf slain, 5 hurt in Sulu clash

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Four Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed and five others were wounded as government troopers launched pursuit operations yesterday for the group they encountered in Patikul, Sulu, on Thursday.

Brig. Gen. Divino Rey Pabayo, 11th Army Division and Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said personnel of the 6th Special Forces Battalion clashed with the group of Monde Sawadjaan, a nephew of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan.

Hatib is the alleged mastermind in the twin bombings in Jolo last Jan. 27 that left 23 people dead and more than a hundred wounded.

Meanwhile, the remains of Cpl. Nemesis Salviejo, who was killed in the clash in Barangay Igasan on Thursday, were flown to Villamor Air Base yesterday after a sendoff ceremony held at the Edwin Andrews Air Base here.

Three other soldiers were wounded in the clash.

Pabayo vowed relentless military operations to neutralize the Abu Sayyaf.