Two Abu Sayyaf Group bandits killed after resisting arrest

Two members of the Abu Sayyaf Group were killed in a firefight on Wednesday following the government forces' raid of a terrorist safehouse in the Municipality of Indanan, Sulu.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Gerry Besana, spokesman of the military's Western Mindanao Command, the terrorists Jade Hassan alias "Radjik," and Kemar Jade were shot dead after they resisted arrest.

The Joint Task Force Sulu and the police were carrying an arrest warrant for murder when they raided the Abu Sayyaf den.

Four other companions of the slain ASG members were arrested and placed under the custody of the police for documentation.

At the site, a 12-guage shotgun, two caliber .45 pistols with magazines, and ammunition were recovered.

A heat-sealed plastic containing suspected shabu or methamphetamine was also recovered from one of the arrested suspects.

The military said the operation was part of their sustained efforts for the purge of Abu Sayyaf Group in the province.

ASG, linked to bombings, kidnappings and beheadings, has around 400 members based in Sulu and Basilan.

The group reportedly holds about 10 local and foreign kidnap victims. —Dona Magsino/NB, GMA News