Alleged Abu Sayyaf killed in clash with military in Sulu

April 29, 2020

An alleged member of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) was killed while a soldier was wounded in a clash in Sulu on Tuesday morning.

Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu, said  troops of the 41st Infantry Battalion encountered around reported 20 Abu Sayyaf members under in Barangay Tumatangis, Indanan, Sulu at 7:36 am.

"The firefight lasted for nine minutes after which our enemies withdrew," Vinluan said.

"Our troops are in pursuit of the fleeing bandits," he added.

Vinluan said troops also recovered one M16 rifle with M203 grenade launcher attached.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command said "the terror groups are taking advantage of the situation wherein some of our troops are deployed to assist the local government units in the battle against COVID-19."

"Rest assured our focused military operations will not falter, we have enough forces to hunt and pound these terrorists, and we will compel  them to lay down their arms and return to the fold of the law," he said. Robina Asido/DMS