3 militiamen killed, 11 hurt in clash

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Three militiamen were killed and 11 other government troopers wounded in an encounter with Abu Sayyaf bandits in a remote village in Sumisip, Basilan yesterday.

Capt. Jo-Ann Petinglay, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) spokesperson, said eight of those wounded were brought to the Camp Navarro General Hospital for treatment. Three were confined in a hospital in Basilan.

Soldiers of the 4th Special Forces Battalion and the Civilian Active Auxiliary encountered the bandits in Barangay Cabcaban at around 7:15 a.m.  The troops were reinforced by soldiers belonging to the First Special Force Co.

Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Westmincom chief, said the bandits retreated after they suffered an undetermined number of casualties. Pursuit operations are ongoing. 

“This incident will not stop us from doing our mandate ...to free communities from the terror these bandits are causing the people,” Galvez said. 

He said government troops would continue to coordinate with local government units to flush out the Abu Sayyaf and rescue its remaining hostages.