2 Abus killed in Tawi-Tawi

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Two Abu Sayyaf bandits tagged in the kidnapping of four Indonesian citizens last year were killed in an encounter in Languyan, Tawi-Tawi on Tuesday.

Col. Nestor Narag Jr., 2nd Marine Brigade deputy commander, said the slain suspects were identified only by their aliases of Long and Darus. An M16 rifle was recovered at the scene.

The fatalities were followers of Majan Sahijuan, who was killed in a military operation on Saturday.

On Sunday, the remaining Indonesian captive of the Abu Sayaf, Khairuldin bin Yai Kii, was rescued.

Three other Indonesian captives – Arsyad Dahlan, Riswanto Hayono and Arizal – were rescued on  Thursday last week. Two of their captors, Sahud Salasim and Injimar Mangkabong,  were arrested.

In Basilan, three Abu Sayyaf bomb couriers identified only as Jallim, Aman and Salim surrendered and turned over their guns on Monday. – John Unson