Soldiers killed kin of Abu Sayyaf Group leader Sahiron —military

Government troops killed on Saturday the grandson of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) leader Radullan Sahiron in a pursuit operation in Sulu.

Acting on a tip from the community, troops of the Joint Task Force Sulu conducted a pursuit operation to intercept two ASG members on a motorcycle in Barangay Bilaan, Talipao, Sulu at 9:45 p.m.

Fleeing ASG members fired at the soldiers, who returned fire at the enemy, the military said, adding that at the height of the chase, troops recovered a body left by the roadside in Barangay Lambana.

An investigation indicated that the dead ASG member left on the road was Sahiron's kin alias Vikram.

"Vikram is an [explosives] maker and involved during the Jolo Cathedral and 1st Brigade Combat Team bombings," said Major General Corleto Vinluan, Joint Task Force Sulu commander.

"He was also involved in the encounter with the 21st Infantry Battalion," Vinluan added.

Vikram's remains were brought to Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital for proper disposition.

No soldier was hurt during the operation.

"Then again, this successful operation proves that the direct involvement of communities would put up pressure on the ASG and constrict their movements as well," said Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, West Mindanao Command commander.

Last Friday, 11 soldiers were killed while 14 other servicemen were wounded in an encounter with alleged ASG members in Patikul, Sulu. —With Joviland Rita/LBG/KG, GMA News