2 Abu Sayyaf bandits slain in Sulu
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Two more Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed in a military offensive in Sulu on Tuesday.
Angah Adjid, who was tagged in the kidnapping at a resort in Sipadan, Malaysia in 2000, and Sarih Edris were killed in a gunfight with personnel of the Second Special Force Battalion led by First Lt. Rhoy Lanzar in Barangay Binuang, Talipao at about 4:45 p.m., Col. Gerry Besana, spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said.
Besana said the bodies of the slain bandits, an M14, an M16 with a M203 grenade launcher and ammunition were recovered at the scene.
“Adjid was listed as the last remaining Abu Sayyaf sub-leader involved in the Sipadan kidnapping,” he said.
Led by the slain Ghalid Andang alias Commander Robot; Mujib Susukan, and Nadzmi Saabtulla, alias Global, the bandits seized 21 people, mostly foreign tourists, at the Sipadan dive resort off the coast of Palau. The hostages were released after payment of huge amount of ransom.
“Adjid’s neutralization will definitely weaken the Abu Sayyaf led by Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan,” Besana said.
The group of Sawadjaan is reportedly holding four foreigners and two Filipinos.
Meanwhile, medals were awarded to three government troopers wounded in clashes with Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sulu and Basilan last week.
Brig. Gen. Cirili Thomas Donato Jr., Westmincom deputy chief, pinned the medals on Cpl. Syruss Valenzuela, Pvt. Gude Lousie Nabalan and militiaman Boy Hasim, who are recuperating at the Camp Navarro General Hospital. – Michael Punongbayan
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