18 Abu bandits slain in Basilan clashes – AFP

MANILA, Philippines - Troops killed 18 Abu Sayyaf bandits in a series of clashes in Basilan last week.

Speaking to reporters, Armed Forces spokesman Maj. Gen. Domingo Tutaan Jr. yesterday said the figures are based on reports that the Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) had obtained.

“The reports state that 18 members of the Abu Sayyaf Group were killed and 14 were wounded and these are all reports received from the ground,” he said

The shootouts also wounded 14 Abu Sayyaf terrorists, Tutaan said.

In a text message, Wesmincom commander Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero said the figures are based on “consolidated information” that they received from field sources.

“It’s difficult to confirm this on the ground. But the number denotes more or less the extent of the Abu Sayyaf’s presence in the areas where the  encounters took place,” he said

Tutaan said two soldiers were killed and 31 others were wounded during the fighting that lasted for hours.

“Of the 31 wounded, about 25 or 26 sustained superficial wounds,” he said.

Last week, troops in Basilan attacked the Abu Sayyaf after receiving reports of their extortion activities.

Three Army officers – a colonel, a captain and a lieutenant – were among those wounded during the clash with the band of Abu Sayyaf commanders Nurhasan Jamiri, Bashir Kasaran, Ibrahim Malat and Furuji Indama.

Tutaan denied that some commanders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) had assisted the Abu Sayyaf in fighting troops last week.

“They can be former MILF members who broke away from the MILF and engaged in criminal activities. It’s not correct to say it’s MILF per se,” he said.

Tutaan said the Army’s 104th brigade is coordinating with the MILF 114th base Command in running after the  Abu Sayyaf.

When asked if MILF members would turn over bandits seeking refuge in their community, Tutaan said: “I believe they will. Yes, if they are members of MILF.”

Sources said some MILF commanders had been dragged into the clashes as most of the Abu Sayyaf bandits are their relatives.

Last month, the government and the MILF signed a peace deal.