4 soldiers hurt in Basilan clashes

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Four soldiers were wounded in a series of encounters with Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sumisip, Basilan on Saturday morning.

The military said several bandits were killed in the skirmishes that occurred in the hinterlands of Barangay Sucaten.

It said pursuing troopers found bloodstains along the bandits’ escape routes.

The series of encounters came barely a day after the Western Mindanao Command projected the downfall of the Basilan-based bandit group, following the death of its last top leader.

The first encounter broke out at past 7 a.m. between government security forces and at least nine followers of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Pasil Bayali, according to Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, chief of the Joint Task Force Basilan and of the Army’s 101st Brigade.

Gobway said the firefight was brief as the bandits immediately retreated to the mountains.

“Pursuing troopers caught up with the fleeing bandits, which resulted in another firefight,” Gobway said.

Troops recovered three firearms and ammunition at the scenes of the encounters.

Gobway said the wounded soldiers were taken to a hospital for treatment of gunshot wounds.

“All of them are in stable condition,” he said.

Gobway said a manhunt was launched for the rebels, who were believed to be carrying with them their wounded comrades.– John Unson