Alleged Abu Sayyaf killed in Basilan

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — An alleged member of the bandit group Abu Sayyaf was killed yesterday in Sumisip town, Basilan.

The military identified the slain suspect as Hasid Salajim.

Col. Domingo Gobway, commander of Joint Task Force Basilan and the Army’s 101st Brigade, said Salajim worked for Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Pasil Bayali, alias Kera.

In Patikul, Sulu, a suspected leader of the Abu Sayyaf was captured during an encounter with the military on Thursday.

Government troops were on combat mission when they clashed with the bandits in Barangay Latih, according to Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

Vinluan said the soldiers led by 2nd Lt.  Johonny Ric Bregonia engaged at least seven Abu Sayyaf men in a firefight for 10 minutes.

The bandits fled, prompting soldiers to launch a pursuit, which resulted in the arrest of Amah Ullah, believed to be an adviser of Abu Sayyaf sub-lead Basaron Arok.

Ullah was wounded in the clash.

On Nov. 3, government forces neutralized seven Abu bandits on Sulare Island.