3 Abu Sayyaf members killed as gov't troops try to rescue kidnap victims

Three members of the Abu Sayyaf group were killed on Friday during an encounter with government soldiers who were on a mission to rescue kidnap victims in Sulu.

According to the Joint Task Force Sulu, joint operating elements of the Philippine Marines Ready Forces Sulu clashed with the Abu Sayyaf while on a maritime security patrol to rescue two Indonesian kidnap victims in waters off Simusa Island in the municipality of Banguingui.

The JTF Sulu said the three Abu Sayyaf members and the two kidnap victims were swimming toward Bangalao Island to flee from pursuing troops in Simusa Island when the maritime security patrol saw them.

The firefight, which occurred at 5:45 p.m., lasted for 10 minutes, the military said.

The three Abu Sayyaf members were part of the team of sub-leader Najir Arik, the JTF Sulu added.

No one was hurt on the government side.

Government troops were able to rescue one kidnap victim identified as Heri Ardiansyah, while the other kidnap victim identified as Hariadin died due to drowning.

The military said it recovered two M14 rifles, two M16 rifles, one M203 GL grenade launcher, one 40 mm ammunition, one long M16 magazine, and 29 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition.

Government soldiers then launched hot pursuit operations against the remaining Abu Sayyaf members trapped in Simusa Island.

On Thursday afternoon, government troops clashed with the Abu Sayyaf in Simusa Island.

One of three kidnap victims who tried to escape from his captors during the 15-minute firefight was shot by the Abu Sayyaf, the military said.

He was later rescued by pursuing elements of the Philippine Marine Ready Force Sulu while lying 10 meters from the rebels' route of withdrawal. —With a report from Ferdinandh Cabrera/KG, GMA News