Five Abu Sayyaf killed in encounter vs gov’t troops in Zamboanga Sibugay

September 9, 2020

Five Abu Sayyaf members were killed while two government troops were wounded in a clash in Zamboanga Sibugay on Wednesday morning.

Capt. Clint Antipala, public affairs chief of the 1st Infantry Division,  said military and police forces were conducting pursuit operation when they encountered the Abu Sayyaf  at the vicinity of Brgy. Pres. Roxas, RT Lim municipality around 2 am.

The troops were also able to recover four high-powered firearms after the 30-minute clash against the 10 Abu Sayyaf members, said Antipala.

"Pursuit operation is still ongoing and the cadaver of the slain terrorist is still unidentified as of this posting," said Antipala.

Lt. Col. Don Templonuevo, commander of the 44th Infantry Battalion, said the clash is the result of the government troops "pursuit operations against the armed elements of Abral Abdusalam and Sahibad Group led by Furuji Indama after our encounter in Barangay La Paz, Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay dawn of Sunday, September 6, 2020."

Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, commander of the 102nd Infantry Brigade said the terrorist group are "planning to conduct kidnapping activities in the region based on the reports received from their reliable source".

"The unit would also like to thank the locals who tipped-off the authorities of the presence of these terrorist groups which resulted to the timely response of our troops," said Nicolas.

Maj. Gen. Gene Ponio, chief of the 1st Infantry Division, lauded the troops of 44th IB and the PNP for the successful encounter.

"Terrorism has no place in the area of responsibility of 1st Infantry Division and we urged the locals to remain vigilant and report to local authorities any presence of threats in their locality", Ponio said.

Antipala said the two wounded soldiers, whose identities are yet to be disclosed, were airlifted to Camp Navarro General Hospital, Zamboanga City.  He noted that the two are now  in stable condition. Robina Asido/DMS