Two Abu Sayyaf terrorists were killed following an encounter with members of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) in Basilan on Thursday.
The killed bandits were identified as Abu Sayyaf members Nasirin Awwalin and Hasmin Lajid.
It was learned that members of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPT) 4 of Barangay Guinanta, Albarka, Basilan engaged in a two-hour gun battle members of the Abu Sayyaf led by Sarwin Kasaram in Barangay Guinanta at 12:50 p.m. Thursday.
Kasaram is a follower of sub-leader Nurhassan Jamiri.
Troops of the Joint Task Force Basilan continue to conduct checkpoints to thwart the extrication of the Abu Sayyaf members.
Meanwhile, the offensives launched by the Alpha Company of the 10th Infantry Battalion resulted in a fierce gun battle between the operating troops and the Abu Sayyaf bandits in Barangay Tandu Bagua, Patikul, Sulu at 5:30 a.m. Thursday.
The troops were acting on reported sightings of the Abu Sayyaf bandits and their kidnap victims in the area of engagement.
The said armed confrontation lasted for 20 minutes, after which the Abu Sayyaf bandits fled, bringing with them their casualties.
A soldier died and 10 other personnel sustained wounds and were promptly extricated for medical treatment at the Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Hospital in Barangay Busbus, Jolo, Sulu.
Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., the Commander of the Western Mindanao Command assured they will give their utmost best to track and eventually capture the bandits. (Tempo)
