ZAMBOANGA CITY–Three Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed while seven soldiers were wounded as firefight ensued while operations to rescue the two policewomen and their two companions continue in the province of Sulu, a top military official said Monday.
Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said the firefight broke out around 6:14 a.m. Monday at Sitio Sangay, Barangay Buhanginan, Patikul town.
Sobejana said the firefight erupted as the troops encountered around 70 Abu Sayyaf bandits led by sub-leaders Idang Susukan and Almujer Yada while they were conducting operations to rescue the four kidnap victims.
The Abu Sayyaf bandits are holding captives PO3 Benierose Alvarez, PO1 Dinah Gumahad, Jakosalem Blas, and Faizal Ahidji. They were snatched on April 29 in Barangay Liang, Patikul, Sulu, while aboard a tricycle coming from the headquarters of the 45th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Buhanginan.
Sobejana said the Abu Sayyaf bandits fled to different directions as attack helicopters provided air support to the ground troops.
He said the three slain Abu Sayyaf bandits were identified only by their first names as Moktar, Julhadi and Surayb.
It is believed that several other bandits were wounded as bloodstains were visible in their withdrawal path, the military official said.
Sobejana did not release the identities of the wounded soldiers except to say they belong to the Army’s 21st Infantry Battalion.
Sobejana said the focus military operations will continue to rescue the kidnapped victims and to reduce the bandits’ strength to insignificant level. (With reports from Ely E. Dumaboc/PNA)
