Abu Sayyaf sub-leader, member killed in Basilan clash -military

An Abu Sayyaf sub-leader and member were killed in a Friday morning clash in Al-Barka, Basilan that also resulted in five soldiers, two militiame, and six other terrorists being wounded, a Mindanao-based military official said.

Maj. Filemon Tan of the Armed Forces' Western Mindanao Command identified the slain sub-leader as Eric Ajibon, allegedly an "expert" bomb maker who was "responsible in the series of bombings against the government forces and business establishments in Basilan."

The other fatality was identified only as Ayan. His and Ajibon's bodies were recovered from the area of the clash and were turned over to the police.

"The troops also recovered war materials and personal belongings in the encounter site," Tan said.

The six Abu Sayyaf fighters reported injured in the fighting, based on the account of soldiers, were meanwhile carted off by the retreating gunmen.

The clash occurred after the military was tipped off by residents of Sitio Luglugi in Barangay Macalang regarding the presence of Abu Sayyaf members -- reportedly numbering around 40 -- in the area. Tan said the residents wanted the military "to drive away the armed bandits" from their community.

Responding to the call, the military deployed elite troops from the 4th Special Forces Battalion, which caught up with the terrorists led by Isnilon Hapilon, a senior Abu Sayyaf leader.

The ensuing encounter lasted for several hours, Tan said, after which the Abu Sayyaf disengaged.

"Heavy exchange of fires lasted for 30 minutes and sporadic firefight dragged on for three hours," said Tan.

Tan said the five wounded soldiers were brought to Camp Navarro General Hospital in Zamboanga City. They are now in stable condition as well as the two injured militiamen after being hit by shrapnels coming from M203 grenade launchers. -- Rie Takumi/KBK, GMA News