ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Two suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits have been killed in separate encounters with government security forces in Basilan and Sulu, the military reported yesterday.
Army troopers backed by members of the government militia were patrolling in Barangay Masola, Isabela City when they encountered a group of bandits on Monday afternoon.
The Army’s 104th Infantry Brigade said the firefight lasted 15 minutes.
The bandits retreated toward the jungles, leaving behind their slain comrade.
Responding soldiers recovered a rifle believed owned by the fatality at the scene of the encounter.
On Sunday night, another Abu Sayyaf bandit was killed in a firefight on Simisa Island off the town of Tongkil in Sulu, reports reaching the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) said.
Army troopers pursuing suspects in the Jolo Cathedral bombing exchanged fire with at least 15 terrorists led by Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Salip Murah.
The Westmincom said several bandits were wounded in the firefight that occurred in Barangay Banguingui.
No one was killed or wounded among the government troopers.