ZAMBOANGA CITY–Three Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members, including a navigator, were killed in a brief clash early Thursday as troops conducted combat operations in Indanan, Sulu, a top military official said.
Brig. Gen. Divino Rey Pabayo, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said the clash took place around 4:30 a.m. Thursday in Barangay Kuppong, Indanan municipality.
Pabayo said troops from the Army’s 2nd Special Forces Battalion conducted a combat operation after receiving reports about the presence of the ASG bandits in Barangay Kuppong.
Pabayo said the firefight lasted for about two minutes, after which, the ASG bandits fled to different directions.
He said the troops recovered the remains of one of the three slain ASG bandits, who was identified as Pakam Sakam Sappari alias Last Pangit. Also recovered was a caliber .45 pistol with four live ammunition.
“Pakam Sakam Sappari was a skilled sea navigator identified with various ASG sub-groups, the latest of which was the group of the late ASG sub-leader Alden Bagade. He was reportedly involved in several kidnapping activities,” Pabayo said.
He said the remains of the other two slain bandits were dragged by their comrades, who fled to different directions.
The Abu Sayyaf bandits are still holding hostage 10 people, including five foreigners. They comprise three Indonesians, one Dutch, one Vietnamese and five Filipinos.
Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command chief, has commended the troops for their accomplishment and thanked the community for their contribution by providing essential information. (Teofilo Garcia, Jr/PNA)
