3 Abu Sayyaf bandits killed in Basilan encounter

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Two militants and a soldier were killed while seven others were wounded during a gun battle that erupted Wednesday in a remote village in Basilan province, according to the military.

The firefight broke when troops from the Army’s Special Forces clashed with 60 Abu Sayyaf bandits about 11 a.m. at Barangay Baiwas, Sumisip town.

Col. Rolando Joselito Bautista, commander of the 104th Army Brigade and Joint Task Group Basilan (JTGB), said the fighting occurred in an area known to be a stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf group.

The encounter that ensued for almost an hour left a trooper dead and another hurt.

Bautista said that at least two Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed and six other militants were wounded, prompting the group to retreat towards the deep jungle.

He said the troops have been on pursuit against the Abu Sayyaf group which splintered into small factions to divide the military attention.