Troops clash with Abus in Basilan

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines  – Soldiers and militiamen clashed in Sumisip town Friday with Abu Sayyaf militants believed to be behind the killing of plantation workers last week, a military official said yesterday.

Col. Ramon Yugyog, commander of the Special Operations Task Force-Basilan, said members of the special forces and the Citizens Armed Force Geographical Unit clashed with more than 20 Abu Sayyaf militants in Barangay Sapah Bulak and Barangay Upper Cabengbeng.

“The armed lawless elements retreated with an undetermined number of casualties as shown by the bloodstains and ground troops’ accounts,” Yugyog said.

He said the soldiers recovered several high-powered firearms, including one M16 rifle and a rocket propelled grenade launcher.

 Yugyog said pursuit operations would continue against the Abu Sayyaf militants led by Kirun Tampuri, Botong Aliman and Ahmad Aliman.

The group was tagged in the attack of plantation workers of Tumahubong Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Integrated Development Cooperative, which left six workers killed and 21 others injured.