2 Abus killed, 4 soldiers wounded in Surigao Sur clash

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines  – Two Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed while four soldiers were wounded in an encounter in Surigao del Sur on Friday.

The slain suspects are said to be with the group of Almujer Yadah.

Personnel of the Military Intelligence Group, Air Intelligence Battalion and 401st tracked down the bandits after receiving reports that they were planning kidnappings in the province.

Soldiers of the Light Reaction Company of the Joint Special Operation Unit 2 raided a hideout of Abu Sayyaf bandits in Barangay Unidos in Tago town.

Prior to the military operation, one of the suspects traveled from Sulu to Caraga last September to conduct casing and spotting of target victims, according to a security official who asked not to be named.

The suspect reportedly returned to Sulu in November and returned to Caraga with some of his cohorts to set up an encampment and plot the kidnappings.

Surigao del Sur is among the areas in Mindanao frequented by both local and foreign tourists due to its scenic spots.