ZAMBOANGA CITY – Three terrorists and a soldier were killed after troops clashed with an Abu Sayyaf band in Sulu early yesterday morning.
Five soldiers were also wounded in fierce fighting in Barangay Lanao Dakula in Parang town at about 6:30 a.m.
Maj. Gen. Ruben Rafael, Task Force Comet commander, said the casualty report was based on a body count, but that more terrorists might have been killed because some of them were seen dragging their dead comrades as they fled.
“The offensive is ongoing and all the wounded have been evacuated and treated for minor wounds,” he said.
Rafael said fighting ensued after troops from the Army’s 33rd and 35th Infantry Battalions caught up with the Abu Sayyaf band of Jul Asbi, Albader Parad, and Umbra Jumdail alias Dr. Abu Pula.
The soldiers recovered several grenade launchers and rounds of 90rr (recoilless rocket) ammunition from the scene, he added.
Rafael said two Marines were also wounded in a separate encounter with another Abu Sayyaf band in Barangay Sinugan, Indanan town late Tuesday afternoon.
“But the Marines scored undetermined Abu Sayyaf killed and wounded in the encounter,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has ordered its forces to “take maximum restraint” following a clash with Marines in Ungkaya Pukan town in Basilan on Monday.
“The MILF forces are ordered to observe maximum restraint to avert future clashes,” said Von Al-Haq, MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities panel chief.
Al-Haq said the fighting in Ungkaya Pukan town started after the Marines ran after three to four armed men, who sought refuge in rebel-controlled territory.
“It appeared that the encounter occurred one hour after the pursuit as government troops started firing mortar rounds in the direction of the MILF areas,” he said.
Ungkaya Pukan Mayor Joel Maturan said based on reports reaching him, the Marines started shelling the area after they were harassed by MILF and Abu Sayyaf fighters.
Maturan said based on reports, the MILF fighters had come from the nearby barangays of Tipo-Tipo and linked up with the Abu Sayyaf band.
The fighting forced more than 3,000 civilians to flee their homes in Barangays Sungkayot and Bohe Suyak in Ungkaya Pukan town, he added.
Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Juancho Sabban, Armed Forces Western Mindanao deputy chief, denied yesterday recalling attack helicopters and a bomber sent to provide air cover for the Marines ambushed by MILF rebels in Albarka town in Basilan last July 10.
“There was no recall order, I repeat, there was no recall order,” he said. – Roel Pareño, James Mananghaya, John Unson