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Philippines: 23 Abu Sayyaf killed since hostage beheading
[ ABS-CBN] At least 23 Abu Sayyaf militants were killed in Sulu in a series of attacks launched by Philippine troops against the rebels following the beheading of German hostage Jurgen Kantner on February 26.Western Mindanao Command spokesman Carlito Galvez said four separate clashes were fought between the military and the Abu Sayyaf in Patikul and Indanan in Sulu, and in parts of Basilan. In the first three encounters, at least 14 rebels were reportedly killed, with six others injured. Nine other rebels were killed in a gun battle Sunday in Barangay lumipad in Talipao, also in Sulu. Galvez said that soldiers also nabbed four Abu Sayyaf suspects in two separate areas in Basilan on February 27. He identified the rebels as Hamja Ummal, Asid Abdul Pagong, Kili Alvarez Sabtal, and Hamidid Pantasan. Ummal and Pagong were captured in Al-Barka town, while the two others were arrested in Tipo-Tipo. Galvez said the suspects, who are all teenagers, had been providing vital information to the Abu Sayyaf by serving as lookouts in places where military forces frequently pass. The military also discovered an Abu Sayyaf hideout in Al-Barka, with at least 30 makeshift bunkers and 16 foxholes. Galvez acknowledged the help of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) who he said has been instrumental in some of their successful missions. Posted by: ryuge 2017-03-08 |
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