3 Abu Sayyaf members killed in clash with Army rangers

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Army Scout Rangers on Sunday killed three Abu Sayyaf members in the mountain of Sumisip town, Basilan, a security official said. 

The military said the troopers of the Joint Task Group Basilan (JTGB) under Col. Rolando Bautista encountered 50 combined Abu Sayyaf militants under sub-leader Radzmil Jannatul and lost command leader Katatuh Balaman.

Navy Captain Roy Vincent Trinidad, deputy chief of the Joint Task Force Zambasulta, said the encounter erupted about 11:50 a.m. in Barangay Baiwas.

He said the Army rangers were conducting clearing operations when they encountered the Abu Sayyaf group that triggered 40 minutes of firefight.

“The Abu Sayyaf bandits sustained casualties that prompted withdrawal towards different directions,” Trinidad said, citing the reports of Bautista.

He said four wounded soldiers were immediately evacuated for treatment while troops were on pursuit against the escaping Abu Sayyaf in the mountains of Sumisip town.

The military troops in Sulu have been in a series of firefights against the militants since last week.

The government forces have been on focused military offensive against the Abu Sayyaf groups in Basilan and Sulu areas to pressure the group from releasing their hostages, including foreigners, Trinidad added.