2 Abu Sayyaf bandits slain in Tawi-Tawi clash

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Two suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits tagged in kidnapping activities were killed in an encounter with government security forces in Tawi-Tawi on Sunday.

The firefight occurred when a joint team of the Marines and police officers raided the alleged hideout of the suspects in Barangay Taruk, Tandubas town.

The raid was launched after the military received reports about the presence of suspected kidnappers in the area, according to Maj. Arvin John Encinas, spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).

The firefight lasted 10 minutes.

The bandits retreated in different directions, taking with them their wounded comrades, a report from Col. Arturo Rojas, chief of the Joint Task Force Tawi-tawi (JTFT), said. 

Marine troopers and police officers recovered two bodies, identified as Jul Haber, alias Black Shabu or Toks, and Kamsel Ampang.

Reports said Haber and Ampang were tasked to carry out the kidnapping activities of the Abu Sayyaf.

The security team took Haber’s son and wife to the police station for questioning. 

Rojas said Haber and his family settled in Barangay Dungon in the town of Panglima Sugala in May 2017.

Haber reportedly engaged in the illegal drug trade in nearby Tandubas, along with his friend Odin Masihul, who was neutralized in a sting in Barangay Baldatal Islam, Sapa-Sapa in 2019.

Authorities recovered rifles, ammunition, plastic sachets containing shabu and drug paraphernalia at the scene of the encounter.

The operation was part of security measures imposed by the government after Malaysian authorities bared plans by some groups to carry out kidnapping activities in the area, Westmincom chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said.

Meanwhile, two Army soldiers were killed while another was wounded when members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters attacked government troops conducting quarantine security operations in Datu Hoffer town, Maguindanao on Sunday night.

The firefight in Barangay Talibadok lasted 45 minutes, Sobejana said.

The wounded soldiers were taken to a hospital for treatment. Two of them were declared dead on arrival.