2 soldiers hurt, alleged associate of ASG leader Indama killed in Zamboanga Sibugay clash —military

Two soldiers were injured and one suspected local terrorist was killed in a firefight in Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay on Sunday. 

According to the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) on Monday, forces from the 44th Infantry Battalion and Naval Special Operations encountered an undetermined number of alleged local terrorists in Barangay Lapaz at 3:15 a.m. of September 6. 

The 30-minute gun battle resulted in the killing of a local terrorist identified as Idris Aquilon and the injury of two troops and three civilians. 

Those injured are being treated at hospitals in the province, the military said. 

Lieutenant Colonel Don Templonuevo, commanding officer of the 44IB, said his unit had received information that suspicious individuals have been staying in the area, prompting them to conduct an operation. 

The military said Aquilon, an alleged member of the Dawlah Islamiya-Abu Sayyaf Group, was supposedly a close associate of Furuji Indama, an Abu Sayyaf leader based in Basilan. 

Authorities said the encounter site was allegedly a suspected hideout of Indama. 

Joint Task Force commander Major General Generoso Ponio said a number of local terrorists were believed to be wounded and probably died due to loss of blood after the firefight. 

The military also recovered three rifle grenades, one magazine, one bandolier, and several explosive materials and ammunition at the encounter site. 

Ponio advised the public to remain calm but be vigilant: "The public has nothing to fear because our troops on the ground are on top of the situation." 

"However, we enjoin everyone to remain vigilant in their surroundings and report to proper authorities suspicious individuals that may take advantage of the COVID-19 crisis situation to sow fear and terror among the peace-loving people of Zamboanga Peninsula," he added. 

WestMinCom chief Major General Corleto Vinluan Jr. vowed that joint task forces will continue to employ more pressure on the remaining local terrorists to end terrorism in Western and Central Mindanao. 

"Nonetheless, we still encourage them to lay down their arms in order to finally have peace in the region,” Vinluan said. 

Hot pursuit operations are still ongoing against the local terrorists. —KG, GMA News