[Mindanao Examiner] Philippine soldiers captured an Abu Sayyaf commander who was wounded in previous clashes following an assault on his hideout in Sulu province, officials said Sunday. Military spokesman Ronald Suscano said troops captured Walton Juljirin, but five of his followers managed to escape during the fighting on Saturday.No soldiers were hurt during the brief gunbattle in Taung village in Patikul town where Juljurin was tracked down. Juljurin, whose group was also linked to assassinations of soldiers in the province, was left behind by his men, according to Suscano.
This was confirmed by the battalion commander who said the fighting lasted about five minutes. He said, "Four Abu Sayyaf members were able to escape from the firefight while Walton was left behind due to his ill health condition brought about by infected wound incurred during the previous encounter with the government forces which he participated."
Mateo said villagers tipped off the location of Juljurin’s hideout. He said, "The cooperation of the civilians who reported the armed group’s presence in their area is a strong manifestation that civilians have long been tired of these Abu Sayyaf terroristc activities and now actively helping the military locate them to contribute for the total elimination of all terrorists in Sulu."