Abu Sayyaf bandits attack military's civilian volunteers in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Fighting erupted Saturday when Abu Sayyaf Group gunmen fired grenades to patrolling civilian volunteers in a remote village in Talipao, Sulu.

The military said a volunteer of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) was wounded in the firefight that occurred at about 6:05 a.m. at the vicinity of Barangay Kiyutaan.

Col. Alan Arrojado, commander of the Joint Task Group Sulu (JTGS), said the BPAT volunteers led by Talipao Councilor Lakim Uddin were harassed by about 30 Abu Sayyaf members led by sub-leaders Angga Adji and Roger Saji.

Arrojado said the military launched several rounds of M203 grenade launchers towards the group of Uddin that sparked a 10-minute firefight that resulted to the wounding of BPAT member Akmad Aburan.

He said the bandits withdrew towards the direction of Bud (mountain) Itao, Barangay Bungkaong, Patikul town.

Arrojado said the Marine Battalion Landing Team 2 (MBLT2) has received information that Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Angga Adji and Councilor Uddin have a long standing rido.

Special operation platoon from the MBLT2 and police forces from Talipao conducted pursuit operation against the attackers.