Abu bandit slain in Sulu clash

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — An Abu Sayyaf bandit was killed in an encounter with soldiers in Talipao, Sulu on Sunday.

The military said the wife of an Abu Sayyaf fighter identified as Nursaina Jarad Sahi, who was wounded in the clash, was arrested.

An M16 rifle attached to an M203 grenade launcher and a Galil rifle also with an M203 grenade launcher were recovered at the scene. 

Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said the gunfight occurred in Sitio Kan Pataw, Barangay Upper Sinuman. 

“It is unfortunate that Abu Sayyaf terrorists continue to endanger the lives of their family members like Nursaina. I feel sorry for her... she was abandoned, wounded and helpless during the firefight,” Vinluan said. 

Sahi was taken to the Camp Bautista Station Hospital for treatment. 

Vinluan commended villagers for reporting the presence of Abu Sayyaf bandits in the area. 

The military reiterated its call for militants to surrender so they could live normal lives. 

“We... welcome fighters who wish to lay down their arms and join our... campaign to quell terrorism in the province,” Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said.