ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / November 25, 2009) – An improvised explosive planted near a road went off Wednesday in the southern Filipino province of Sulu, but there were no reports of casualties, security officials said.
Marine Major General Benjamin Dolorfino, a regional military commander, said the explosive left near an old municipal hall in Indanan town did not detonate properly and caused no damage.
He said the bomb was made from ammonium nitrate fitted into an 81mm mortar shell and wired to a cell phone used to trigger an explosion. Soldiers frequently pass the road where the bomb was planted.
No individual or group claimed responsibility for the blast, but previous attacks have been largely blamed to Abu Sayyaf militants, whose group is allied with the Jemaah Islamiya.
“We are still investigating who was behind this,” Dolorfino told the independent newspaper, the Mindanao Examiner.
Fighting between militants and security forces have subsided the past weeks. Fierce clashes since September left dozens of Abu Sayyaf gunmen and soldiers dead and wounded, including two US Special Forces members who were assisting the local military in defeating the militant group. (Mindanao Examiner)
Showing posts with label Indanan Town. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Indanan Town. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Improvised explosive detonates in Southern Philippines
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Sayyaf defies military offensive, bombs bridge in Sulu
Abu Sayyaf militants bombed a bridge in Sulu's Indanan town on Tuesday, September 29, 2009. The bombing came hours after militants blasted a US military vehicle in the town killing two counterterrorism soldiers. (Mindanao Examiner Photo / Nickee Butlangan). ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / September 30, 2009) – Suspected Abu Sayyaf militants have blown up a bridge in Sulu province in the southern Philippines, defying an all-out government offensive aimed at crushing terrorism that had killed two US soldiers on Tuesday.
Police on Wednesday deployed more forces in Indanan town after militants, backed by Moro rebels, bombed the bridge in the village of Bunot late Tuesday. It was the second bridge bombed by the Abu Sayyaf in a span of one week.
The attack came hours after a deadly roadside bombing that killed two US counterterrorism soldiers - SSG Jack Martin and SFC Christopher Shaw and a Filipino marine PFC Estrada – in Kagay village also in the town of Indanan.
A police post was also bomb on Tuesday morning in the village of Kasanyangan in Jolo town, but there were no reports of casualties.
“We have deployed more forces to protect the civilians from possible attacks by the Abu Sayyaf,“ said Senior Superintendent Muhibuddin Ismail, the provincial police chief.
US troops are deployed in Sulu since 2006 and assisting the Philippine military in defeating the Abu Sayyaf. Although security officials deny US forces were directly involved in combat operations, there were numerous reports from civilians that American soldiers actually participated in the operations aimed at capturing or killing militant leaders in Sulu and other areas in the restive southern region of Mindanao.
A US soldier was also killed and another wounded in a bomb attack at a roadside cafe near an army in Zamboanga City in October 2002.
Last week, eight Filipino soldiers were also killed after militants ambushed their truck in Indanan town. The military said at least 34 militants were also slain in the fighting, including an Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Ustadz Muktar, a cousin of militant leader Isnilon Hapilon, who is wanted by the US government for terrorism.
But of the 34 slain militants, only two bodies had been recovered by soldiers.
The Moro National Liberation Front, which signed a peace deal with Manila in September 1996, accused the military of attacking one of their bases in Indanan that killed two former rebels.
US Special Forces were aiding the Philippine military in the hunt for militants, according to Major General Benjamin Dolorfino, chief of the Western Mindanao Command.
He said the US military is providing intelligence to the local troops in the hunt for the Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiya militants in Sulu.
Dolorfino said troops were tracking down at least four most senior Abu Sayyaf leaders – Dr Abu, Albader Parad, Isnilon Hapilon and Yasser Igasan – including two foreign Jemaah Islamiya terrorists Mauiya and Quayem and some 200 followers.
The series of attacks occurred just as troops continue their operation against the Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiya militants tagged as behind the series of bomb attacks and kidnappings for ransom in Sulu, one of five provinces under the troubled Muslim autonomous region.
Madarang Sali, deputy supreme commander of the Bangsamoro National Liberation Front, said military offensive against the MNLF continues in Sulu. He said government operations were directed as MNLF leader Khaid Ajibunm who had escaped a military raid last week. (MIndanao Examiner)
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
US Special Forces soldier killed, 5 more wounded in roadside bombing in Southern Philippines
Undated photos of US and Philippine troops in the southern Philippine island of Sulu. A US Special Forces soldier was killed and five more wounded in a roadside bombing Tuesday, September 29, 2009 in Sulu's Indanan town. (Mindanao Examiner Photos) ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / September 29, 2009) – A roadside bombing Tuesday in the southern Philippines killed a US Special Force soldier and wounded 5 more, including three Filipino marines.
The attack occurred at around 8.30 a.m. in the village of Kagay near Indanan town in Sulu province where local troops are battling Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiya militants since last week.
Security officials did not identify the US soldiers, but three of the Filipino marines wounded in the bombing were all in critical conditions.
US Special Forces are deployed in Sulu since 2006 and aiding the Philippine military in defeating the Abu Sayyaf. Although security officials deny US forces were directly involved in combat operations, there were numerous reports from civilians that American soldiers actually participated in the operations aimed at capturing or killing militant leaders in Sulu and other areas in the restive southern region of Mindanao.
A US soldier was also killed and another wounded in a bomb attack at a roadside cafe near an army in Zamboanga City in October 2002.
Major General Benjamin Dolorfino, chief of the military’s Western Mindanao Command based in Zamboanga city, said the US and Filipino troops were in a convoy heading to a school project when the bomb went off.
“The US troops are not involved in the operation against the Abu Sayyaf. They were there because there is a school project in the village,” Dolorfino said.
The wounded troops were rushed to a military hospital in Jolo town, where another bomb exploded at a police post.
There were no reports of casualties in the explosion which occurred at around 10.30 a.m. in the village of Kasanyangan.
Police said an improvised explosive was used in the attack in the village of Kasanyangan, but there were no reports of casualties. “This is the handiwork of the Abu Sayyaf. We have tightened security in the villages to prevent future attacks,” said Chief Inspector Usman Pingay, commander of police forces in the capital town of Jolo.
He said the explosion targeted the command post of the Regional Mobile Group. The attack occurred three days after policemen killed an Abu Sayyaf militant, Karim Juldani, and captured another Albashir Adjili, in a firefight in Jolo town.
The two, Pingay said, were trying to sneak into Jolo when policemen stopped them near a checkpoint. He said police seized weapons from the two men.
Pingay ordered additional checkpoints around the town and appealed to citizens to stay vigilant and report to the police or military suspicious persons in their area.
“We must defeat terrorism. Citizens should stay vigilant,” he said.
The attack occurred just as troops continue their operation against the Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiya militants tagged as behind the series of bomb attacks and kidnappings for ransom in Sulu, one of five provinces under the troubled Muslim autonomous region.
Fighting in Sulu between troops and militants had killed 42 people, including eight marines who were ambushed by the Abu Sayyaf in Indanan town last week. Nine soldiers were also wounded in the attack.
The Moro National Liberation Front, which signed a peace deal with Manila in September 1996, accused the military of attacking its forces in Sulu’s Indanan town. It said troops shelled one of its camps, killing two of its members and wounding 8 more.
The military’s Western Mindanao Command denied the accusations and said the offensive targeted the militant groups – the Abu Sayyaf and the Jemaah Islamiya – adding, two of its feared terror leaders Mauiya and Quayem are being protected by the Abu Sayyaf.
Madarang Sali, deputy supreme commander of the Bangsamoro National Liberation Front, said military offensive against the MNLF still continues in Sulu. “Up to this time, the military offensive is going on,” he said on Tuesday.
He said government operations were directed as MNLF leader Khaid Ajibunm who had escaped a military raid last week. (With reports from Nickee Butlangan and Merlyn Manos)
The attack occurred at around 8.30 a.m. in the village of Kagay near Indanan town in Sulu province where local troops are battling Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiya militants since last week.
Security officials did not identify the US soldiers, but three of the Filipino marines wounded in the bombing were all in critical conditions.
US Special Forces are deployed in Sulu since 2006 and aiding the Philippine military in defeating the Abu Sayyaf. Although security officials deny US forces were directly involved in combat operations, there were numerous reports from civilians that American soldiers actually participated in the operations aimed at capturing or killing militant leaders in Sulu and other areas in the restive southern region of Mindanao.
A US soldier was also killed and another wounded in a bomb attack at a roadside cafe near an army in Zamboanga City in October 2002.
Major General Benjamin Dolorfino, chief of the military’s Western Mindanao Command based in Zamboanga city, said the US and Filipino troops were in a convoy heading to a school project when the bomb went off.
“The US troops are not involved in the operation against the Abu Sayyaf. They were there because there is a school project in the village,” Dolorfino said.
The wounded troops were rushed to a military hospital in Jolo town, where another bomb exploded at a police post.
There were no reports of casualties in the explosion which occurred at around 10.30 a.m. in the village of Kasanyangan.
Police said an improvised explosive was used in the attack in the village of Kasanyangan, but there were no reports of casualties. “This is the handiwork of the Abu Sayyaf. We have tightened security in the villages to prevent future attacks,” said Chief Inspector Usman Pingay, commander of police forces in the capital town of Jolo.
He said the explosion targeted the command post of the Regional Mobile Group. The attack occurred three days after policemen killed an Abu Sayyaf militant, Karim Juldani, and captured another Albashir Adjili, in a firefight in Jolo town.
The two, Pingay said, were trying to sneak into Jolo when policemen stopped them near a checkpoint. He said police seized weapons from the two men.
Pingay ordered additional checkpoints around the town and appealed to citizens to stay vigilant and report to the police or military suspicious persons in their area.
“We must defeat terrorism. Citizens should stay vigilant,” he said.
The attack occurred just as troops continue their operation against the Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiya militants tagged as behind the series of bomb attacks and kidnappings for ransom in Sulu, one of five provinces under the troubled Muslim autonomous region.
Fighting in Sulu between troops and militants had killed 42 people, including eight marines who were ambushed by the Abu Sayyaf in Indanan town last week. Nine soldiers were also wounded in the attack.
The Moro National Liberation Front, which signed a peace deal with Manila in September 1996, accused the military of attacking its forces in Sulu’s Indanan town. It said troops shelled one of its camps, killing two of its members and wounding 8 more.
The military’s Western Mindanao Command denied the accusations and said the offensive targeted the militant groups – the Abu Sayyaf and the Jemaah Islamiya – adding, two of its feared terror leaders Mauiya and Quayem are being protected by the Abu Sayyaf.
Madarang Sali, deputy supreme commander of the Bangsamoro National Liberation Front, said military offensive against the MNLF still continues in Sulu. “Up to this time, the military offensive is going on,” he said on Tuesday.
He said government operations were directed as MNLF leader Khaid Ajibunm who had escaped a military raid last week. (With reports from Nickee Butlangan and Merlyn Manos)
Monday, September 21, 2009
Sayyaf ambushed troops in Sulu
Policemen patrol the sea off Jolo town in the southern Philippine province of Sulu where 8 marines are killed in an Abu Sayyaf ambush Monday, September 21, 2009. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / September 21, 2009) – Abu Sayyaf militants ambushed a group of marines Monday afternoon sparking a fierce firefight that killed at least 8 soldiers and wounded nine more.
The fighting also killed three militants in the village of Bato-Bato in Indanan town, said Major Ramon David Hontiveros, a spokesman for the military’s Western Mindanao Command.
Hontiveros did not say how many soldiers died in the attack, but independent sources said at least 8 marines were killed when Abu Sayyaf militants opened fire on them. Nine other soldiers were injured in the ambush.
“We are getting conflicting reports as to the number of military casualties,” Hontiveros said.
The military earlier said fighting subsided in the province after Sunday clashes in Indanan killed an Abu Sayyaf militant and wounded four government soldiers.
Hontiveros said troops clashed with more than 200 militants in the town and that dozens had come from the nearby province of Basilan and reinforced the group of Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon.
It was unknown why the military failed to detect or intercept about 40 Abu Sayyaf gunmen who arrived by boat in Sulu on Sunday morning.
The fighting in the province erupted after security forces shelled suspected Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiya lairs in Indanan town, but a senior rebel leader of the Bangsamoro National Liberation Front, Madarang Sali, said the offensive targeted former Moro rebels under Khaid Ajibun.
Sali said the military attacked Ajibun’s camp without provocation, an accusation strongly denied by the military.
“We are not attacking the MNLF camp. The operation is directed at the Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiya position in the village of Buanza in Indanan town,” Hontiveros said.
Military and police intelligence reports said several Jemaah Islamiya terrorists are hiding and being by Abu Sayyaf militants in Sulu - among them are Mauiya, Dulmatin, Zulkifli bin Hir and Umar Patek - who are all wanted by Indonesia for the spate of deadly attacks in the Philippines and Indonesia, including the Bali bombing in 2002. The US has offered at least $16 million rewards for their capture.
The United States listed the Abu Sayyaf and the Jemaah Islamiya as foreign terrorist groups alongside with Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda network.
Philippine authorities said the Jemaah Islamiya terrorists fled to Mindanao where they sought refuge under the protection of the Abu Sayyaf and rogue members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the country’s largest Muslim rebel group. (With a report from Nickee Butlangan)
The fighting also killed three militants in the village of Bato-Bato in Indanan town, said Major Ramon David Hontiveros, a spokesman for the military’s Western Mindanao Command.
Hontiveros did not say how many soldiers died in the attack, but independent sources said at least 8 marines were killed when Abu Sayyaf militants opened fire on them. Nine other soldiers were injured in the ambush.
“We are getting conflicting reports as to the number of military casualties,” Hontiveros said.
The military earlier said fighting subsided in the province after Sunday clashes in Indanan killed an Abu Sayyaf militant and wounded four government soldiers.
Hontiveros said troops clashed with more than 200 militants in the town and that dozens had come from the nearby province of Basilan and reinforced the group of Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon.
It was unknown why the military failed to detect or intercept about 40 Abu Sayyaf gunmen who arrived by boat in Sulu on Sunday morning.
The fighting in the province erupted after security forces shelled suspected Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiya lairs in Indanan town, but a senior rebel leader of the Bangsamoro National Liberation Front, Madarang Sali, said the offensive targeted former Moro rebels under Khaid Ajibun.
Sali said the military attacked Ajibun’s camp without provocation, an accusation strongly denied by the military.
“We are not attacking the MNLF camp. The operation is directed at the Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiya position in the village of Buanza in Indanan town,” Hontiveros said.
Military and police intelligence reports said several Jemaah Islamiya terrorists are hiding and being by Abu Sayyaf militants in Sulu - among them are Mauiya, Dulmatin, Zulkifli bin Hir and Umar Patek - who are all wanted by Indonesia for the spate of deadly attacks in the Philippines and Indonesia, including the Bali bombing in 2002. The US has offered at least $16 million rewards for their capture.
The United States listed the Abu Sayyaf and the Jemaah Islamiya as foreign terrorist groups alongside with Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda network.
Philippine authorities said the Jemaah Islamiya terrorists fled to Mindanao where they sought refuge under the protection of the Abu Sayyaf and rogue members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the country’s largest Muslim rebel group. (With a report from Nickee Butlangan)
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Military offensive disrupts Muslim festival in Southern Philippines
Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chieftain Murad Ebrahim leads the breaking of fast on Sunday, September 20, 2009 in the southern Philippines. In Sulu province, the military launched offensive against Abu Sayyaf and Moro rebels, disrupting the celebration of the Hari Raya, which signals the end of the holy month of Ramadan. (Mindanao Examiner Photo / Mark Navales)ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / September 20, 2009) – Government forces shelled Sunday a mountain stronghold of suspected Abu Sayyaf militants in the southern Philippine province of Sulu.
The attack, which occurred shortly before 7 a.m. in the town of Indanan coincided with the start of Hari Raya festival which signals the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.
Several Muslims said the sounds of explosions from the shelling had disrupted solemn prayers in mosques. Angry Muslims cursed the military for disrespecting their tradition.
The Malay words ‘Hari Raya' translate as 'Day of Celebration' or the ‘Festival of Breaking the Fast'. Muslims usually attend Eid prayers in mosque in the morning. The celebrations begin with the birth of the new moon of Syawal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar.
The military said the offensive was aimed at capturing wanted persons. “There are some identified suspects who have standing warrants. I regret I can’t discuss operational details yet,” Major Ramon David Hontiveros, a spokesman for the military’s Western Mindanao Command, told the Mindanao Examiner.
There were no immediate reports of casualties in the shelling.
Police said it received unconfirmed reports the military operation was directed at Abu Sayyaf leader Albader Parad in the mountain village of Talibang.
But a Moro rebel leader, Madarang Sali, deputy supreme commander of the Bangsamoro National Liberation Front, said the military offensive targeted a stronghold of Khaid Ajibun, a senior leader of the Moro National Liberation Front in Camp Marang near the village of Talibang.
“The Muslims are celebrating the Hari Raya, but what greeted us are bombings from military aircrafts,” he said in a statement sent to the independent regional newspaper, the Mindanao Examiner.
Sali accused the military of terrorizing the Muslims in Sulu, an accusation strongly denied by the armed forces.
“The Bangsamoro National Liberation Army declares publicly and calls and manifest our Islamic solidarity behind our brothers-in-Islam and to support the declaration of Jihad against the Philippine Government and Armed Forces of the Philippines for the restoration of sovereign states of the Bangsamoro Homeland. There are no terrorists in our homeland, but we are being terrorized by Armed Forces of the Philippines,” he said.
The MNLF signed a peace deal with Manila in September 1996, but many of its members were disgruntled by the agreement and accusing the government of failing to honor the provisions of the accord.
Under the peace agreement, Manila would have to provide a mini-Marshal Plan to spur economic development in Muslim areas in the south and livelihood and housing assistance to tens of thousands of former rebels to uplift their poor living standards.
It was unknown who ordered the offensive or what triggered the shelling, but Hontiveros said: “The suspects might be mustering a lot of conventional resistance necessitating the use of indirect fire weapons. We sincerely hope that these people who are suspected of complicity in crimes will peacefully submit to the courts where they can defend their name.”
Hontiveros said the offensive was part of a surgical operation against terrorists who were blamed for the spate of bombings in Sulu, but cut short of tagging the Abu Sayyaf in the attacks.
“It’s our common fight against the evils of society. This is surgical operation directed against terrorists who are destroying the image of Islam. They bombed and disturbed us twice during Ramadan. They hurt two Muslim soldiers going to mosque to pray. We are doing this for the good of peace and law-abiding Muslims. The disturbance and inconvenience now may make our Ramadan peaceful in the future,” Hontiveros said. (Mindanao Examiner)
The attack, which occurred shortly before 7 a.m. in the town of Indanan coincided with the start of Hari Raya festival which signals the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.
Several Muslims said the sounds of explosions from the shelling had disrupted solemn prayers in mosques. Angry Muslims cursed the military for disrespecting their tradition.
The Malay words ‘Hari Raya' translate as 'Day of Celebration' or the ‘Festival of Breaking the Fast'. Muslims usually attend Eid prayers in mosque in the morning. The celebrations begin with the birth of the new moon of Syawal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar.
The military said the offensive was aimed at capturing wanted persons. “There are some identified suspects who have standing warrants. I regret I can’t discuss operational details yet,” Major Ramon David Hontiveros, a spokesman for the military’s Western Mindanao Command, told the Mindanao Examiner.
There were no immediate reports of casualties in the shelling.
Police said it received unconfirmed reports the military operation was directed at Abu Sayyaf leader Albader Parad in the mountain village of Talibang.
But a Moro rebel leader, Madarang Sali, deputy supreme commander of the Bangsamoro National Liberation Front, said the military offensive targeted a stronghold of Khaid Ajibun, a senior leader of the Moro National Liberation Front in Camp Marang near the village of Talibang.
“The Muslims are celebrating the Hari Raya, but what greeted us are bombings from military aircrafts,” he said in a statement sent to the independent regional newspaper, the Mindanao Examiner.
Sali accused the military of terrorizing the Muslims in Sulu, an accusation strongly denied by the armed forces.
“The Bangsamoro National Liberation Army declares publicly and calls and manifest our Islamic solidarity behind our brothers-in-Islam and to support the declaration of Jihad against the Philippine Government and Armed Forces of the Philippines for the restoration of sovereign states of the Bangsamoro Homeland. There are no terrorists in our homeland, but we are being terrorized by Armed Forces of the Philippines,” he said.
The MNLF signed a peace deal with Manila in September 1996, but many of its members were disgruntled by the agreement and accusing the government of failing to honor the provisions of the accord.
Under the peace agreement, Manila would have to provide a mini-Marshal Plan to spur economic development in Muslim areas in the south and livelihood and housing assistance to tens of thousands of former rebels to uplift their poor living standards.
It was unknown who ordered the offensive or what triggered the shelling, but Hontiveros said: “The suspects might be mustering a lot of conventional resistance necessitating the use of indirect fire weapons. We sincerely hope that these people who are suspected of complicity in crimes will peacefully submit to the courts where they can defend their name.”
Hontiveros said the offensive was part of a surgical operation against terrorists who were blamed for the spate of bombings in Sulu, but cut short of tagging the Abu Sayyaf in the attacks.
“It’s our common fight against the evils of society. This is surgical operation directed against terrorists who are destroying the image of Islam. They bombed and disturbed us twice during Ramadan. They hurt two Muslim soldiers going to mosque to pray. We are doing this for the good of peace and law-abiding Muslims. The disturbance and inconvenience now may make our Ramadan peaceful in the future,” Hontiveros said. (Mindanao Examiner)
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Fierce fighting erupts in Sulu Province
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / June 13, 2009) – Security forces clashed Saturday with Abu Sayyaf militants holding a kidnapped Italian aid worker in Sulu province in the southern Philippines, officials said.
Officials said the fighting erupted at around 9 a.m. in the village of Sionogan in Indanan town where police and marines pursuing the Abu Sayyaf caught up with some 100 militants. “The firefight is going on,” First Lieutenant Steffani Cacho, a regional military spokeswoman, told the Mindanao Examiner.
She did not say if there were government or enemy casualties, but other reports said as many as six people were killed on the military side and more than a dozen more injured in the fighting.
On Friday, the military said at least militants were killed in two days of fierce clashes that also left five soldiers wounded.
The Abu Sayyaf is still holding Eugenio Vagni, of the International Committee of the Red Cross, since January when he and two others – Swiss national Andreas Notter and Filipino Mary Jean Lacaba – were kidnapped after they inspected a humanitarian project at prison in Patikul town.
Both Notter and Lacaba had been freed separately by the Abu Sayyaf. Police and military said there were no reports about Vagni.
Police forces also rescued two Muslim humanitarian workers seized by the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu’s Talipao town on Thursday.
Sulu police chief, Senior Superintendent Muhibuddin Ismail said the two men - Aspin Giminsil, 39, and Kadspar Abduhasan, 22, - were rescued in Talipao after police forces pursued the Abu Sayyaf led by Mukambiyan Sakilan and recovered the hostages.
The duo is working for the Alliance for Mindanao for Off-grade Renewable Energy and Integrated Learning System for Moslem Highlanders. He said the two men, who are natives of Tawi-Tawi province, are humanitarian workers. (Mindanao Examiner)
Officials said the fighting erupted at around 9 a.m. in the village of Sionogan in Indanan town where police and marines pursuing the Abu Sayyaf caught up with some 100 militants. “The firefight is going on,” First Lieutenant Steffani Cacho, a regional military spokeswoman, told the Mindanao Examiner.
She did not say if there were government or enemy casualties, but other reports said as many as six people were killed on the military side and more than a dozen more injured in the fighting.
On Friday, the military said at least militants were killed in two days of fierce clashes that also left five soldiers wounded.
The Abu Sayyaf is still holding Eugenio Vagni, of the International Committee of the Red Cross, since January when he and two others – Swiss national Andreas Notter and Filipino Mary Jean Lacaba – were kidnapped after they inspected a humanitarian project at prison in Patikul town.
Both Notter and Lacaba had been freed separately by the Abu Sayyaf. Police and military said there were no reports about Vagni.
Police forces also rescued two Muslim humanitarian workers seized by the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu’s Talipao town on Thursday.
Sulu police chief, Senior Superintendent Muhibuddin Ismail said the two men - Aspin Giminsil, 39, and Kadspar Abduhasan, 22, - were rescued in Talipao after police forces pursued the Abu Sayyaf led by Mukambiyan Sakilan and recovered the hostages.
The duo is working for the Alliance for Mindanao for Off-grade Renewable Energy and Integrated Learning System for Moslem Highlanders. He said the two men, who are natives of Tawi-Tawi province, are humanitarian workers. (Mindanao Examiner)
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Troops clash with Sayyafs in southern Philippines; fate of Italian Red Cross hostage unknown
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / June 11, 2009) – Government troops clashed with the Abu Sayyaf Thursday in the southern Philippine province of Sulu where the terrorist group is still holding a kidnapped Italian aid worker, officials said.
Officials said at least two soldiers were killed and five more wounded in the fighting in the town of Indanan, said First Lieutenant Steffani Cacho, a regional military spokeswoman. "Two soldiers are killed and five others were wounded in the fighting. An undetermined number of Abu Sayyafs are also killed," she told the Mindanao Examiner.
Cacho said security forces clashed with some 150 militants under Abu Sayyaf leaders Abu Pula and Albader Parad in the village of Malimbaya. It was unknown whether the hostage, Eugenio Vagni, a member of the International Committee of the Red Cross, was with the group of Pula and Parad.
It was unknown whether the hostage, Eugenio Vagni, a member of the International Committee of the Red Cross, was with the group of Pula and Parad.
There were no reports about Vagni, who was kidnapped January 15 in Patikul town with fellow aid workers Andreas Notter, a Swiss national and Filipino Mary Jean Lacaba. Both Lacaba and Notter had been released separately last month.
Abu Pula, also a former Moro National Liberation Front rebel, is called "Dr. Abu" by some people because of his purported ability to perform crude treatments on wounded guerrillas and ailing villagers.
The Abu Sayyaf i listed as a foreign terrorist organization by the United States.
Philippine authorities said the Abu Sayyaf was behind the spate of bombings and kidnappings-for-ransom in the southern region. Most of the ransoms it gets are being used for the purchase weapons and to finance terrorism.
Military and police intelligence reports said several Jemaah Islamiya terrorists are among those holding the aid workers - Mauiya, Dulmatin, Zulkifli bin Hir and Umar Patek - who are all wanted by Indonesia for the spate of deadly attacks, including the Bali bombing in 2002. The US has offered at least $16 million rewards for their capture. (Mindanao Examiner)
Officials said at least two soldiers were killed and five more wounded in the fighting in the town of Indanan, said First Lieutenant Steffani Cacho, a regional military spokeswoman. "Two soldiers are killed and five others were wounded in the fighting. An undetermined number of Abu Sayyafs are also killed," she told the Mindanao Examiner.
Cacho said security forces clashed with some 150 militants under Abu Sayyaf leaders Abu Pula and Albader Parad in the village of Malimbaya. It was unknown whether the hostage, Eugenio Vagni, a member of the International Committee of the Red Cross, was with the group of Pula and Parad.
It was unknown whether the hostage, Eugenio Vagni, a member of the International Committee of the Red Cross, was with the group of Pula and Parad.
There were no reports about Vagni, who was kidnapped January 15 in Patikul town with fellow aid workers Andreas Notter, a Swiss national and Filipino Mary Jean Lacaba. Both Lacaba and Notter had been released separately last month.
Abu Pula, also a former Moro National Liberation Front rebel, is called "Dr. Abu" by some people because of his purported ability to perform crude treatments on wounded guerrillas and ailing villagers.
The Abu Sayyaf i listed as a foreign terrorist organization by the United States.
Philippine authorities said the Abu Sayyaf was behind the spate of bombings and kidnappings-for-ransom in the southern region. Most of the ransoms it gets are being used for the purchase weapons and to finance terrorism.
Military and police intelligence reports said several Jemaah Islamiya terrorists are among those holding the aid workers - Mauiya, Dulmatin, Zulkifli bin Hir and Umar Patek - who are all wanted by Indonesia for the spate of deadly attacks, including the Bali bombing in 2002. The US has offered at least $16 million rewards for their capture. (Mindanao Examiner)
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Philippine troops clash with Sayyaf; fate of Italian hostage unknown
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / May 12, 2009) – Government troops clashed Tuesday with suspected Abu Sayyaf militants in the southern Philippine province of Sulu where the group is holding a kidnapped Italian aid worker, military reports said.
It said the clash broke out in the hinterland of Indanan town where security forces are pursuing the kidnappers of Eugenio Vagni, a staff of the International Committee of the Red Cross.
There were no reports of casualties or news about Vagni, who was kidnapped January 15 in Patikul town with fellow aid workers Andreas Notter, a Swiss national and Filipino Mary Jean Lacaba. Both Lacaba and Notter had been released separately last month.
Last week, Abu Sayyaf militants ambushed a police convoy in Indanan town and killed five people, one of them the provincial police chief Julasirim Kasim. Four militants, among them as former soldier, were also killed by police forces.
Aside from Vagni, another faction of the Abu Sayyaf is also holding captive Xili Wu, a Chinese trader kidnapped also in Jolo town in December last year.
In February, the Abu Sayyaf freed a Chinese bakery owner, Dionghan Que, they seized in Jolo town. Que snatched while on his way home on a motorcycle. (Mindanao Examiner)
It said the clash broke out in the hinterland of Indanan town where security forces are pursuing the kidnappers of Eugenio Vagni, a staff of the International Committee of the Red Cross.
There were no reports of casualties or news about Vagni, who was kidnapped January 15 in Patikul town with fellow aid workers Andreas Notter, a Swiss national and Filipino Mary Jean Lacaba. Both Lacaba and Notter had been released separately last month.
Last week, Abu Sayyaf militants ambushed a police convoy in Indanan town and killed five people, one of them the provincial police chief Julasirim Kasim. Four militants, among them as former soldier, were also killed by police forces.
Aside from Vagni, another faction of the Abu Sayyaf is also holding captive Xili Wu, a Chinese trader kidnapped also in Jolo town in December last year.
In February, the Abu Sayyaf freed a Chinese bakery owner, Dionghan Que, they seized in Jolo town. Que snatched while on his way home on a motorcycle. (Mindanao Examiner)
Friday, April 24, 2009
Red Cross hostage, parang bula na nawala sa Sulu
SULU (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 24, 2009) – Mistulang karayom sa malawak na kakahuyan ang paghahanap na isinasagawa ng militar at pulisya sa nalalabing Italyanong Red Cross hostage ng Abu Sayyaf sa Sulu province.
Tatlong araw ng pinaghahanap ng daan-daang mga sundalo at parak si Eugenio Vagni ngunit bigo pa rin ang mga ito na matagpuan ang dayuhan na sinasabing may sakit sa kabundukan ng Sulu.
Dalawang bayan ng Sulu – sa Indanan at Parang – ang Sentro ng search and rescue operation matapos na mahiwalay si Vagni sa kasamahang si Swiss national Andreas Notter na nailigtas naman ng mga parak nuong nakaraang linggo.
Inamin ni Notter na hirap na hirap si Vagni sa kanyang kalagayan dahil sa pamamaga ng mga bayag nito sanhi ng hernia. Si Notter ay nakabalik na sa kanyang bansa.
Unang pinalaya ng Abu Sayyaf nuong Abril 2 si Mary Jean Lacaba, ang kasamang Pinay nina Vagni at Notter. Dinukot ang tatlong nuong Enero 15 matapos na bisitahin ang isang humanitarian project sa bilangguan sa bayan ng Patikul.
Nag-alok na rin ang mga awtoridad ng P500,000 bilang pabuya sa sinumang makakapagturo ng kinaroroonan ni Vagni. Nauna kasing napaulat na ibinigay ng Abu Sayyaf sa ilalim ni Albader Parad si Vagni sa isang grupo ng mga rebelde, ngunit itinanggi naman ito ng militar.
Kamakalawa ay nagkaroon ng sagupaan sa bayan ng Talipao sa pagitan ng Abu Sayyaf at mga awtoridad, ngunit wala namang inulat na nasawi, ayon kay Sulu police chief Julasirim Kasim. (Mindanao Examiner)
Tatlong araw ng pinaghahanap ng daan-daang mga sundalo at parak si Eugenio Vagni ngunit bigo pa rin ang mga ito na matagpuan ang dayuhan na sinasabing may sakit sa kabundukan ng Sulu.
Dalawang bayan ng Sulu – sa Indanan at Parang – ang Sentro ng search and rescue operation matapos na mahiwalay si Vagni sa kasamahang si Swiss national Andreas Notter na nailigtas naman ng mga parak nuong nakaraang linggo.
Inamin ni Notter na hirap na hirap si Vagni sa kanyang kalagayan dahil sa pamamaga ng mga bayag nito sanhi ng hernia. Si Notter ay nakabalik na sa kanyang bansa.
Unang pinalaya ng Abu Sayyaf nuong Abril 2 si Mary Jean Lacaba, ang kasamang Pinay nina Vagni at Notter. Dinukot ang tatlong nuong Enero 15 matapos na bisitahin ang isang humanitarian project sa bilangguan sa bayan ng Patikul.
Nag-alok na rin ang mga awtoridad ng P500,000 bilang pabuya sa sinumang makakapagturo ng kinaroroonan ni Vagni. Nauna kasing napaulat na ibinigay ng Abu Sayyaf sa ilalim ni Albader Parad si Vagni sa isang grupo ng mga rebelde, ngunit itinanggi naman ito ng militar.
Kamakalawa ay nagkaroon ng sagupaan sa bayan ng Talipao sa pagitan ng Abu Sayyaf at mga awtoridad, ngunit wala namang inulat na nasawi, ayon kay Sulu police chief Julasirim Kasim. (Mindanao Examiner)
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Body of Sayyaf sub-leader, aide recovered in Sulu; no words on Red Cross hostages
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Mar. 17) – Philippine troops have recovered the body of an Abu Sayyaf sub-leader and his aide who were killed in a fierce clashes Tuesday in the southern province of Sulu, the military said.
The military said the bodies of terrorist sub-leader Jul Asbi Jalmani and Mudar Hadjail were recovered by soldiers after an intense fighting in Indanan town where the Abu Sayyaf is holding hostage three members of the International Committee of the Red Cross.
“Two bodies of the Abu Sayyaf were recovered by the operating troops and have been positively identified as sub-leader Jul Asbi Jalmaani and Mudar Hadjail, his trusted man. Seven others are believed wounded or dead in the fighting,” Army Lt. Steffani Cacho, a regional military spokeswoman, told the Mindanao Examiner.
The military earlier said three soldiers were killed and 19 others wounded in the fighting after Abu Sayyaf terrorists led by Albader Parad tried to break through a military cordon in the town’s jungle.
Parad was reported killed, but the television network ABS-CBN was able to interview the terrorist commander on Tuesday. “I am alive. If I am dead I won’t be talking to you right now,” Parad said.
There were no words about the fate of the hostages. The trio was kidnapped on January 15 after inspecting a water and sanitation project at a prison facility in the town of Patikul. (Mindanao Examiner)
3 soldiers killed as troops battle Sayyaf terrorists in Sulu province
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Mar. 17, 2009) – At least three soldiers were killed and more than a dozen wounded as troops battled Tuesday Abu Sayyaf terrorists holding three Red Cross workers in Sulu province in the southern Philippines, officials said.
A still undetermined number of terrorists were believed killed and wounded in fierce fighting that began shortly before 6 a.m. in the hinterlands of Indanan town where the Abu Sayyaf is holding Swiss national Andreas Notter, Italian Eugenio Vagni and Filipino woman Mary Jean Lacaba.
The trio, all workers of the International Committee of the Red Cross, was kidnapped on January 15 after inspecting a water and sanitation project at a prison in Patikul town.
“Three of our soldiers are dead and 13 others were wounded in the fighting. We have reports that many Abu Sayyaf are killed and wounded in the clashes that began this morning at around 5.30 and the fighting is still going on,” Marine Lt. Gen. Nelson Allaga, commander of military forces in Western Mindanao, told the Mindanao Examiner.
He said there were no words about the fate of the hostages. “We have no words about them. We are fighting the Abu Sayyaf terrorists who are trying to break through the military cordon,” Allaga said.
Allaga said soldiers and policemen and village guards have surrounded the lair of the Abu Sayyaf to prevent them from escaping with their captives.
Fighting also erupted in the village of Buton Mahablo in the town of Parang that left four more soldiers wounded, said Lt. Steffani Cacho, a regional army spokeswoman. She said troops were on a combat mission when they clashed with Abu Sayyaf terrorists.
On Monday, troops clashed three times with Abu Sayyaf terrorists led by Albader Parad who was reported to have been shot and wounded or killed while trying to escape from the cordon around them.
The news of Parad’s death also triggered a massive search for his body by soldiers and armed civilians because of the huge rewards on his head.
The United States has offered as much as US$ 5 million for known Abu Sayyaf leaders under the Rewards for Justice System. Manila also set aside P100 million rewards for the capture of Abu Sayyaf terrorists and their leaders – dead or alive.
Philippine and US authorities linked the Abu Sayyaf to the spate of bombings in the southern Filipino region, including executions of civilians and kidnappings for ransom to raise fund and support its terror campaign.
The Abu Sayyaf has pillaged small towns, bombed passenger ships, commuter buses, Catholic churches and public places, including malls and department stores and killed hundreds of innocent people since the time it was founded in the early 1990s.
The Abu Sayyaf kidnapped 21 foreigners in a cross-border raid in Sabah, Malaysia in 2000 and ransomed off the hostages with the help of Filipino negotiators. It also beheaded one of three US citizens kidnapped in 2001 in the Philippines after failing to seek the release of Pakistani al-Qaeda bomber, Ramzi Yousef and radical Egyptian cleric Omar Abdel-Rahman, who inspired Yousef’s 1993 World Trade Center bombing. (Mindanao Examiner)
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Sayyaf frees kidnapped Muslim school principal, but still holds to Chinese trader in the southern Philippines
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Dec. 16, 2008) – Suspected Abu Sayyaf militants have freed a kidnapped Muslim school principal, but are still holding a Chinese trader in the southern island of Sulu, police said Tuesday.
Police said the kidnappers released Kasim Pakkam late Monday in the village of Lanao Dakula in Parang town.
Pakkam, kidnapped on Dec. 12, was earlier identified by the police and military as Pakkam Hashim, the principal of Parang’s Kutah Sairap Elementary School.
Police said no ransom was paid for the safe release of Pakkam. It said the kidnapping was connected to family feud, but police could not say why the Abu Sayyaf had been dragged into the quarrel.
“Pakkam has been freed unharmed. He is okay and reunited with his family. We are still tracking down the other Chinese hostage, Xili Wu, who is still in the hands of the Abu Sayyaf,” Senior Supt. Julasirim Kasim, the Sulu police chief, told the Mindanao Examiner.
Abu Sayyaf militants kidnapped a Wu as he was closing his electronics store in Jolo town at around 7 p.m. on Saturday.
Unconfirmed reports said the kidnappers were demanding P10 million ransoms for Wu’s freedom, Kasim said, adding, the mayor of Jolo, Hussin Amin, has convened the crisis management committee, to tackle the kidnapping of the foreigner, who is a native of Fujian province in China.
Police said the 28-year old Wu was using the alias of Peter Go, who is staying in Jolo with four other Chinese nationals since December last year. Wu co-owns the Perlas Trading in downtown Jolo.
Authorities implicated Abu Sayyaf leader Albader Parad as behind Wu’s kidnapping.
Kasim said about four kidnappers; all clad in camouflage uniform and armed with automatic weapons, seized Wu after disarming his private security guards and dragged him to a waiting van in front of horrified civilians. Chief Inspector Usman Pingay, the Jolo police chief, said they are investigating how the foreigners were able to put up a business in Jolo.
The Abu Sayyaf group has been linked to the spate of kidnappings and bomb attacks in the Philippines and is labeled a terrorist organization by both Manila and Washington, and is believed by the US to have links with the al-Qaeda terror network and Jemaah Islamiya.
The Philippine government, aided by the US military, has deployed thousands of troops in the south in an effort to eradicate Abu Sayyaf. (Mindanao Examiner)
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Troops Raid Sulu Village, Seize Sayyaf Weapons
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Dec. 6, 2008) – Government soldiers raided Saturday an alleged hideout of the Abu Sayyaf group in the southern Philippine island of Sulu where they seized four automatic weapons and hundreds of munitions, a regional army spokesperson said.
Lt. Steffani Cacho said troops swooped down on the village of Manggis in Indanan town after intelligence reports pinpointed the location of the hideout.
Troops made no arrest, but the military said the recovery of the weapons was already a victory against the Abu Sayyaf.
“This development in Sulu is a positive step towards our fight against terrorism and in neutralizing the Abu Sayyaf. The recovery of the firearms and ammunition will effectively cripple the group as these are of great operation value,” she said.
Cacho said the small cache of weapons were believed owned by Gafur Jumdail, a leader of the Abu Sayyaf blamed for Wednesday attack on a police station in Maimbung, on the opposite side of Indanan. (Mindanao Examiner)
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Sulu gets more US-funded projects
SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Oct. 20, 2008) – US and Philippine soldiers involved in humanitarian missions in the southern province of Sulu are to hand over a finished road project, Governor Hajji Sakur Tan said Sunday.
Tan said the soldiers are also to begin the construction of an Area Coordinating Center, a facility that is established as a proactive, reactive, and post conflict mechanism to address various concerns at regional and local levels of governance and to solve problems of coordination and response.
The ACC, which cost over $150,000 each, will also function both as a system and as a council for planning, integrating, directing, supervising, and implementing line-up government programs and projects particularly on political, socioeconomic, cultural, religious, development, security and information issues.
Just last month, US and Philippine military officials also handed over to Tan and Mayor Hussin Amin an ACC building in Jolo town. More than a dozen ACC buildings have been handed over to provincial government since 2006 when US and Philippine troops began joint military trainings in Sulu dubbed as "Oplan: Balikatan," which means "shoulder-to-shoulder."
Tan said the 500-meter road project in Buansa village in Indanan town would be handed over to local government officials on Thursday in a ceremony to be attended by American and Filipino military officials.
"These projects are symbols of true democracy and unity. These ACC buildings and many other humanitarian and development projects will surely benefit our people and again we thank President George Bush and the American people for their support to our efforts to bring peace in the province," he said in a statement.
Marine Major General Juancho Sabban, commander of military forces in Sulu, said more than P1 billion have already been spent by US and Philippine militaries on various humanitarian and development projects in the province the past two years.
"It is not just about infrastructure or humanitarian projects, but we really wanted to help the poor communities and support peace efforts in Sulu. Peace efforts are our mandate, which do not only comprise the fight against terrorism, but as well as development initiatives, which incorporate reforms and investments in education and other social services to pave way for progress," Sabban said.
He said: "By winning the minds and hearts of the people, we can successfully break the will of those who rebel against the government and bring them back to the folds of the law."
Just recently, US Ambassador Kristie Kenney was in Sulu where she launched various development projects, among them the repair of the airport runway and the water system in the capital town of Jolo.
Tan said the projects are worth some $3.7 million and on top of the more than $190 million pledged by Washington last year for infrastructure and other development and humanitarian projects in Mindanao.
US troops are deployed in Sulu on the request of the Philippine government to train and advise the local military. They are also active in humanitarian missions and were working alongside with Filipino soldiers in development projects on poor areas in the province. (Mindanao Examiner)
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Troops Shell Militant Lairs In Southern Philippines
Government troops on board a convoy of trucks and armored carriers pass through a crowded village in Indanan town in the southern Philippine province of Sulu, where fighting Wednesday, April 30, 2008 breaks out in the village of Cagay between security and Abu Sayyaf forces, backed by renegade members of the Moro National Liberation Front. At least one marine was wounded in the fighting that also left a still undetermined number of gunmen dead and injured. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)
SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 30, 2008) – Government forces clashed with militants in the southern Philippine province of Sulu, leaving one soldier wounded and a still undetermined number of gunmen dead and wounded, officials said.
Military choppers fired several rounds of rockets at strongholds of the Abu Sayyaf in the town of Indanan, aimed at weakening the militant group, but renegade members of the Moro National Liberation Front aided the gunmen.
The human rights organization called Suara Bangsamoro said troops also fired canons around a major MNLF base in the village of Cagay, an area controlled by Khaid Ajibun, a senior leader of the former rebel group which signed a peace deal with Manila in 1996.
It said dozens of civilians have fled the village because of the bombings. “At least 28 howitzer canons were fired to that area and after the bombardments ground troops mounted an attack, sparking a firefight,” Amirah Lidasan, the group’s leader told the Mindanao Examiner.
She said seven soldiers were either killed or wounded in the fighting, but the military said only one marine was injured in the clash.
The military said the fighting only involved the Abu Sayyaf and that the operation was aimed to arrest the leaders of the group tied with al-Qaeda and blamed for past bombings and kidnappings for money in the south.
“Troops clashed with the Abu Sayyaf group. The operation began at dawn Wednesday and targeted the lairs of the Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiya. We have reports the area is being used to manufacture IED (improvised explosive device),” Maj. Eugene Batara, a spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command, said in a separate interview.
He tagged Abu Pula, alias Doctor Abu, as the leader of the group that soldiers clashed in Indanan town.
“The intelligence-driven operation is aimed to apprehend, neutralize, and bring to justice the remaining leaders and members of the Abu Sayyaf, as well as the Jemaah Islamiya bombers, who forged alliances with the former in the name of terrorism and violence,” Batara said without identifying the Jemaah Islamiya bombers,” he said.
In Sulu, local military chief Brig. Gen. Juancho Sabban, said the offensive did not target the MNLF. “The operation is not against the Moro National Liberation Front. No way, this operation is meant against the MNLF. They are not our targets. We are primarily after the ASG and the JI,” he said.
“The ultimate reason of this operation is for the people to finally live in safety without the fear that they could be held captive at any time in any place,” Sabban said.
Sabban previously said the Abu Sayyaf is fragmented and is on the run because of sustained military operations in Sulu province. (With a report from Mark Navales)
Sunday, August 19, 2007
5 Sayyaf Militants Capured In Southern Philippines
Families and relatives of slain troops gather Sunday Aug. 19, 2007 at a chapel inside a Philippine Marines base in Zamboanga City. Fifteen soldiers were killed in fierce fighting with Abu Sayyaf gunmen in Basilan island on Saturday. The military says more than 30 gunmen were also killed in the fighting in Ungkaya Pukan town on the island, where a Philippine Air Force MG-520 attack copter crashed also killing its pilot. President Gloria Arroyo ordered a renewed offensive against the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group blamed for the killing of dozens of troops since last month in Basilan and Jolo islands. (Mindanao Examiner Photo Service)
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / 19 Aug) – Philippine troops swooped down Sunday on an Abu Sayyaf hideout and arrested 5 suspected militants in the southern island of Jolo, officials said.
Officials said the five were being interrogated after soldiers seized four automatic weapons in their hideout in Indanan town. It was unknown whether the men were involved in the killing of 27 soldiers this month in Jolo island.
Troops were also pursuing Abu Sayyaf militants in the neighboring island of Basilan, where 15 Marines were killed and 17 others injured in fierce battle in Ungkaya Pukan town. A Philippine Air Force MG520 attack helicopter also crashed Saturday near the town, killing a pilot and seriously injuring the second pilot.
“There have been no reports of armed clashes in Basilan, but our forces are tracking down the Abu Sayyaf responsible in the killing of the Marines,” Maj. Eugene Batara, a regional army spokesman, told the Mindanao Examiner.
The bodies of those killed were brought to a small Catholic chapel inside a marine base in Zamboanga City, where families and relatives gathered. The wounded were at a military hospital in Zamboanga City. Their conditions were unknown and journalists had been barred near the hospital.
“It is off limits to the media. We have an order not to allow journalists in the hospital,” one military nurse said.
In Basilan, soldiers pounded with canons suspected Abu Sayyaf strongholds on the island to flush the gunmen out in the open.
About 5,000 soldiers are on the island, south of Zamboanga City, and pursuing the Abu Sayyaf, blamed by Manila for the spate of terrorism and kidnappings of foreigners in the troubled region.
The United States, which has sent hundreds of soldiers to help Philippine troops defeat terrorism, offered as much as $5 million reward for the heads of known Abu Sayyaf leaders.
Aside from the Abu Sayyaf, Washington also put up a huge bounty for the capture of Jemaah Islamiya militants Dulmatin and Umar Patek, who are being protected by the Abu Sayyaf and Moro National Liberation Front insurgents in Jolo island.
The U.S. offered up to $10 million reward for Dulmatin’s capture and another $1 million for Patek, both Indonesians were tagged as behind the 2002 Bali bombings that killed 202 mostly foreign tourists, including 88 Australians.
President Gloria Arroyo ordered security forces to destroy the terrorists and bring peace in the volatile, but mineral-rich southern region of Mindanao.
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