BASILAN, Philippines – A suspected member of the Abu Sayyaf Group was killed while at least 3 others were injured in a firefight between government troops and alleged members of the terrorist group in Basilan province on Sunday, reports said.
One suspected Abu Sayyaf bandit was captured, according to an Army statement.
Lt. Col. Gamal Hayudini, civil relations officer of the Western Mindanao Command, said 2 soldiers were injured in the firefight that occurred in Eub Etub, Lower Cabengbeng Sumisip town.
Police, meanwhile, received reports that a civilian was reportedly hurt in the crossfire and was brought to a hospital in Zamboanga City for treatment.
Police identified the civilian as Benhar Maruan, 21, a resident of Lower Cabengbeng.
An Army statement said special operations troops clashed with an undetermined number of Abu Sayyaf members following intelligence reports confirming the presence of the bandit group in the town.
The firefight lasted for more than an hour.
Government troops recovered an M16 rifle, a home-made gun, 2 motorcycles, a generator set, assorted ammunition, clothing, personal items, and various documents from the battle site.
Army troops were still pursuing the bandits, as of posting. – Reports from Jewel Reyes and David Santos, ABS-CBN News Zamboanga
