6 Sayyaf rebs killed in clash

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Six Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed and several others wounded after government troops stormed over the weekend a terrorist hideout in Indanan town in Sulu, the military reported yesterday.

But one still unidentified government trooper was killed while three others were wounded as they swooped down on Sunday on the lair of Abu Jamdain, alias Abu Pula, in Barangay Karawan in Indanan, according to Army Col. Romeo Tolentino.

Abu Pula was among the Abu Sayyaf leaders who allegedly planned and carried out the kidnapping of dozens of European and Asian guests of two beach resorts on Sipadan island in Malaysia on April 23, 2000.

Reports reaching the military’s Southern Command (Southcom) here said troops from the 104th Army Brigade were on combat patrol when they pinpointed the lair of Abu Pula.

"We stormed their jungle hideout and used artillery fire after troops positively identified their position," Tolentino said.

Fierce fighting immediately broke out and lasted for some two hours as soldiers tried to overrun the camp which was manned by some 30 bandits.

Radio messages intercepted by the military revealed that Abu Pula was among those wounded in the encounter but was carried away by his followers.

Tolentino said Abu Pula was among the Abu Sayyaf leaders with a P5-million bounty on his head. The government has also offered similar rewards for Abu Sayyaf leaders Ghalib Andang, Mujib Susukan and Radulan Sahiron who are still holed out in Sulu.

Also on Sunday, the brother of Basilan-based Isnilon Hapilon was killed when police raided a rebel hideout here.

Hapilon put up a fight but was killed, said regional police director Chief Superintendent Simeon Dizon.

The slain rebel leader is the younger brother of Isnilon Hapilon, one of the five Abu Sayyaf leaders operating in Basilan where they are holding hostage an American missionary couple and a Filipina nurse.

The US last week offered a $5 million bounty for information leading to the arrest of Khadafi Janjalani, alias Abu Muktar; Jainal Antel Sali Jr., alias Abu Solaiman; Aldam Tilao, alias Abu Sabaya; Isnilon Hapilon, alias Abu Musab; and Hamsiraji Sali, alias Jose Ramirez.