Alleged Abu Sayyaf member killed in Sulu

May 6, 2019

One alleged Abu Sayyaf member was killed while one soldier was wounded in an encounter in Sulu on Sunday.

Col. Gerry Besana, spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom), said government forces were conducting intensified military operation when they encountered 10 reported Abu Sayyaf members at the vicinity of Sitio Kan Udang, Barangay Kan Ague, Patikul at 9:55 am.

"A firefight ensued which lasted for 20 minutes, after which enemy withdrew towards southeast direction," he said.

Besana said soldiers were conducting hot pursuit operation against the fleeing gunmen.

Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, WestMinCom chief assures that the Western Mindanao Command will conduct intensified military operations to deter the different threat groups from creating havoc.

“We are also intensifying our security preparations for the 2019 midterm elections next Monday,” he added. Robina Asido/DMS