Three Abu Sayyaf members killed, 7 soldiers wounded in Sulu

May 7, 2018

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Three Abu Sayyaf members were killed while seven soldiers were wounded as firefight ensued while operations to rescue two policewomen and their two companions continue in the province of Sulu, a top military official announced Monday.

Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said the firefight broke out around 6:14 a.m. in Sitio Sangay, Barangay Buhanginan, Patikul.

Sobejana said troops encountered around 70 Abu Sayyaf bandits, led by sub-leaders Idang Susukan and Almujer Yada, while they were conducting operations to rescue the four kidnap victims.

The Abu Sayyaf bandits are holding captives PO3 Benierose Alvarez, PO1 Dinah Gumahad, Jakosalem Blas, and Faizal Ahidji, who were kidnapped on April 29 in Barangay Liang, Patikul, Sulu.

They were aboard a tricycle coming from the headquarters of the 45th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Buhanginan when flagged down by 11 Abu Sayyaf bandits led by Yada.

Sobejana said the Abu Sayyaf bandits fled to different directions attack helicopters provided close air support to the ground troops couple with artillery fires.

“Other forces nearby reinforced the engaged troops and pursue the withdrawing bandits,” Sobejana added.

He said the three slain Abu Sayyaf bandits were identified only by their first names as Moktar, Julhadi and Surayb.

He said the remains of the three were immediately buried by their comrades based on reports from the residents.

He said it is believed other bandits were wounded as bloodstains were visible as they withdrew.

Sobejana did not release identities of the wounded soldiers except to say they belong to the Army’s 21st Infantry Battalion.

The kidnap of the four persons has increased the Abu Sayyaf's hostages to 13.

They comprise of three Indonesians, one Vietnamese, one Dutch, and eight Filipinos, including the four--two policewomen and their two companions. DMS