2 killed in Sulu clash between Abu Sayyaf, govt forces

A suspected member of the Abu Sayyaf bandit group and a pro-government militiaman was killed in a firefight in Sulu on Friday morning, a military official said.

In a text message, Captain Ryan Lacuesta of the 2nd Marine Brigade identified the slain Abu Sayyaf member as Jul Asmin Sangkula.

Lacuesta did not identify the second fatality, who was reported to be a member of the barangay police auxiliary team (BPAT).

The military official said suspected bandits ambushed three jeepneys containing BPAT members at Barangay Lungkiaban in Talipao town at 8:55 a.m. Friday.

Marines were sent to reinforce the militia in the encounter, which lasted for an hour, Lacuesta added.

Six others from the government force were hurt during the firefight and were brought to the Sulu Provincial Hospital, he said.

Lacuesta attributed the attack to the Abu Sayyaf's "retaliatory action" against members of the BPAT who have been pursuing the bandit group in the area.

The Abu Sayyaf group, which has been blamed for several past kidnapping and bombing incidents in southern Philippines, is getting logistical support from the global militant Islamist group al Qaeda, according to local authorities. — Andreo Calonzo/KBK, GMA News