2 CAFGUs killed in Abu Sayyaf ambush

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Two paramilitary troopers were killed in ambush staged by the Abu Sayyaf militants in the hinterland of Sumisip, Basilan, a military official said.

The military said the members of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary (CAA) assigned to guard the Tumahubong Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development Corporation were ambushed by the Abu Sayyaf group led Radzmil Jannatul alias Kubayb at the vicinity of Barangay Mahatalang about 8 a.m. Saturday. 

Capt. Franco Salvador Suelto, spokesman of 1st Army Division, identified the slain pro-government militia as Haji Aldam and a certain Mused, both members of the CAA assigned to secure the plantation.

The military have deployed CAA paratroopers in the rubber and palm plantation which has been a subject of Abu Sayyaf attacks.

Suelto said the ambushed came hours before 14th Special Forces Company troops encountered 10 Abu Sayyaf militants across Lantawan town.

The firefight that erupted at Sitio Basak Tiki, Barangay Calugusan about 8:20 p.m. Saturday left Capt. Mark Zember Gamboa killed.

Suelto said the Abu Sayyaf militants led by Halang alias Commander Jeck also suffered an undetermined number casualties and have been pursued by the troops.