Abu Sayyaf sub-leader killed in Sulu clash, military claims

Published November 14, 2014 10:00pm

The military killed nine Abu Sayyaf bandits, including a sub-leader of the group, in a clash in Talipao, Sulu on Friday afternoon, the spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines said.

Lt.Col. Harold Cabunoc said that Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Hairullah Asbang was killed in the fighting while 30 members of the bandit group were injured.

Col. Allan Arrojado, commander of Joint task Group Jolo, said Asbang is believed to have been killed "due to gunshot wounds inflicted by attacking aircraft." He said, however, that the information has yet to be confirmed.

Meanwhile, five soldiers were killed and 26 others were injured in the fighting.

The AFP mourns the loss of 5 warriors from the 1st Scout Ranger Bn who paid the ultimate sacrifice while fighting the Abus in Sulu today.

— Ranger Cabunzky (@HaroldCabunoc94) November 14, 2014

More soldiers were sent to block the bandits' escape routes, Arrojado said, adding the military will pursue the Abu Sayyaf "in their jungle hideouts."

According to an earlier military report, the clash involved 4 officers and 74 soldiers against around 300 Abu Sayyaf bandits under Radullan Sahiron. The soldiers had been conducting a law enforcement operation when the firefight happened.

The Palace has ordered operations against the Abu Sayyaf stepped up since six soldiers securing a road project in Basilan province were ambushed and killed by the bandit group earlier this month.

In October, the Abu Sayyaf released two German hostages in Patikul town.

The group claimed ransom had been paid for the release of the hostages, one of whom they threatened to behead. The government has denied that ransom was paid. — JDS, GMA News

Tags: abusayyafclash, talipaosulu, sulu, abusayyaf