4 MNLF, 2 Abu Sayyaf killed in clash in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines -- At least four members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), who were helping government troops, and two Abu Sayyaf militants were killed in an encounter in Indanan town, Sulu on Friday, according to police.

 

The Sulu Provincial Police said the MNLF fighters were on a blocking operation -- a mission to deny an opposing force access to an area or prevent its movement in a certain direction-- when they encountered an undetermined number of Abu Sayyaf militants.

 

Police reported that fierce fighting erupted past 6 a.m., which left four of the MNLF fighters and two Abu Sayyaf dead.

 

The Abu Sayyaf reportedly retreated with an undetermined number of wounded fighters.

 

Meanwhile, naval forces intercepted and seized three speedboats along the coast of Maimbung town while conducting a blockade to prevent the Abu Sayyaf group from escaping through the sea and to block reinforcement routes.

 

Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., spokesperson of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said two of the speedboats -- M/B Lingisan and M/B Fumancho -- were equipped with two 200-horsepower outboard motors each. The other boat, M/B Emperor, had three 200-hp outboard motors, which would allow it to travel at 48 kph.

 

He said authorities are investigating whether the Abu Sayyaf group uses the speedboats for its operations.