Troops overrun Abu camps

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Army troops overran several Abu Sayyaf camps in a remote barangay in Basilan at dawn Sunday.

Meanwhile, Abu Sayyaf chieftain Khadafi Janjalani, who is believed to be hiding in Patikul in Sulu, has reportedly ordered his men in Basilan to recruit new members.

The military has intensified combat patrols in Tuburan town and nearby areas in the island-province following reports that the Abu Sayyaf is building up its strength.

Troops from the Army’s 18th Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Daniel Lucero were on patrol in Mt. Matanal north of Tuburan town when they chanced upon the trenches surrounding the camps.

Military officials said the troops discovered the camps while tracking down 30 heavily armed Abu Sayyaf bandits led by Commander Usman Lidjal, whom they encountered last week.

"The rebels seemed to have telegraphed the troops’ presence and abandoned the camp," a military commander said. "The Abu Sayyaf has been avoiding encounters with military forces."

Intelligence reports said Lidjal’s group have set up camps on Mt. Matanal to try to maximize their presence after they have lost a lot of men from continuous military offensives. – Roel