5 Abu Sayyaf brigands killed, 7 wounded in Sulu clash

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Five members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) were killed while seven others wounded in a clash as government forces continue law enforcement operations in Sulu, a military official announced Saturday.

Ensign Chester Ian Ramos, information officer of the Joint Task Force Zambasulta, said the clash broke out around 7:00 a.m. Saturday in Barangay Bagsak, Talipao, Sulu.

Ramos said the slain and wounded Abu Sayyaf brigands were followers of ASG sub-leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, whose group is based in Talipao town.

Ramos said no one was killed or wounded among the government troops who figured in the firefight against Sawadjaan’s group.

He said the clash ensued as the government forces chanced upon the group of Sawadjaan while conducting law enforcement operations.

He said the Abu Sayyaf brigands fled to different directions.

The military launched law enforcement operations after the Abu Sayyaf brigands released a German couple in October this year.