Nine Abu Sayyaf said killed as military pounds stronghold

May 4, 2018

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Nine Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members were said killed as air and ground assault were unleashed by the military in the hinterlands of Basilan province, a top military official said Friday.

Brig. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Joint Task Force Basilan commander, said the assault, launched last Wednesday in Barangay Mahatalang, Sumisip municipality, zeroed in on the group of Furuji Indama and a certain Radzmi who have around 40 followers.

Uy said the troops from the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion closed in on the group of Indama after 2 a.m. Wednesday and a 30-minute firefight took place.

He said troops recovered the body of an Abu Sayyaf member while civilians told soldiers eight others  died.

He said troops recovered two high powered firearms, an M-203 grenade launcher, medical supplies and other war materiel.

Indama and Radzmi are among the remaining Abu Sayyaf leaders in Basilan province. DMS