Three Abu Sayyaf members killed in encounter vs Marines in Sulu

March 25, 2019

Three Abu Sayyaf members were killed in a five-minute encounter with Marines in Sulu on Sunday.

Col. Gerry Besana, spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command, said the troops of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 3 clashed with an undetermined number of Abu Sayyaf Group members under sub leader Najir Arik in Simisa Island, Banguigui at 7:58 am.

"The exchange of fires that lasted for five minutes resulted to three enemies killed (based on human intelligence) while no casualty was reported on the government side," he said.

Besana said the Marines conducted pursuit operation.

He said the troops of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 1 chanced upon the fleeing bandits few meters away from the first encounter site while conducting pursuit operation at around 8:02 am.

"Intermittent firefight lasted for about twenty minutes," he said.

"No casualty was reported on the government side while on the enemy side it is yet to be determined as clearing operation is still being conducted," he added.

Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, commander of the Western Mindanao Command said the Joint Task Force Sulu continued to intensify offensives against the Abu Sayyaf.

“We are certain that all measures are now being undertaken, in accordance with the rules of engagement,” he said. Robina Asido/DMS