4 Abus slain in clash with MNLF

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Four Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed in an encounter with Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) fighters out to secure the release of seven Indonesian sailors in Sulu yesterday morning.

The MNLF said among the fatalities were alleged Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Jennor Lahab alias Kumander Jim Dragon, his son and two others, whose names were not immediately available.

The fatalities were reportedly followers of Abu Sayyaf leader Alhabshy Misaya.

The military said the MNLF recovered several firearms after the firefight that occurred at around 7 a.m. in Barangay Tanjung, Kalinggalang Caluang town. 

Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., spokesman for Western Mindanao Command, said the MNLF fighters were led by Taib Sahibad, Alih Kipli and Abraham Joel.

Tan said Lahab was involved in the kidnapping of 10 Indonesian sailors on March 26. The victims were released two weeks later.

He said the encounter was a result of an ongoing efforts of the MNLF to help secure the release of seven Indonesian sailors, whom the bandit group seized in June.

It was the MNLF that secured the release of 10 Indonesian sailors in April and four more hostages later.

The Abu Sayyaf is still holding captive five Malaysian sailors, four Filipinos, three Timorese and two westerners in Sulu.

Tan said the MNLF operation against the bandit group was not sanctioned by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, although he said the military welcomes assistance for the maintenance of peace and order in the province.