2 dead, 8 hurt in Sayyaf clash

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – An Abu Sayyaf and a pro-government militiaman were killed while two Marines and six volunteers were wounded in fresh fighting with the militants in Talipao, Sulu yesterday morning, the military said.

The fresh fighting erupted when patrolling volunteers of the Barangay Police Auxiliary Team encountered 30 Abu Sayyaf militants under slain sub-leader Rakib Jal in Tuyang village, said Col. Jose Johriel Cenabre, commander of the 2nd Marine Brigade and Joint Task Force Sulu.

Cenabre said the volunteers were conducting a clearing operation along the Bilaan-Tuyang Road in Talipao town when they chanced upon the fleeing militants.

The volunteers were immediately reinforced by a platoon from the Marine Battalion Landing Team 2. – Roel Pareño, Jaime Laude