Alleged DI-Abu Sayyaf member killed in Zamboanga Sibugay clash

September 7, 2020

An alleged Dawlah Islamiya-Abu Sayyaf member was killed while five people, including two soldiers, were wounded in a clash in Zamboanga Sibugay on Sunday, a military official said on Monday.

Capt. Clint Antipala, public affairs chief of the 1st Infantry Division, said security forces raided the hideout of an DI-Abu Sayyaf leader who has a warrant of arrest over a 2001 kidnapping when the clash happened at the vicinity of Sitio Tubigsina, Barangay La Paz, Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay.

"The AFP forces together with the Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Police Office raided the suspected hideout of Furuji Indama, DI-ASG Basilan-based leader, who has standing warrant of arrest for his involvment in the Dos Palmas, Palawan kidnapping incident in 2001," he said.

"Series of encounters ensued between the government forces and the ASG which resulted to two soldiers wounded-in-action and scores of casualties on the ASG side," he added.

"During the clearing operation, the cadaver of a certain Idris Aquilon, a close associate of Furuji Indama and the wanted Sahibad Group, was discovered together with various ammunition and explosives," Antipala said.

Three civilians were immediately evacuated to the nearest hospital for medical treatment, said Antipala. ''The provincial and municipal LGUs are taking care and helping the families of the civilian casualties during their treatment," he added.

Lt. Col. Don Templonuevo, commanding officer of 44th IB said the law enforcement operation was conducted in response to the reported presence of suspicious persons frequently staying in the area. Robina Asido/DMS