Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Troops kill Sayyaf militant in Zamboanga Sur
By Al Jacinto
ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Government troops killed a notorious member of the Abu Sayyaf group in a firefight Monday on the island of Olutangga in the southern province of Zamboanga del Sur, a regional military commander said.
Brigadier General Raymundo Ferrer, commander of the First Infantry Division, said the fighting erupted after the militant, Tajajul Ampul, opened fire with automatic rifle on soldiers who were trying to capture him in the village of Kaliran at around 9 a.m.
"Tajajul Ampul was killed in the firefight. There were no government casualties," he said.
He said the gunman was involved in the kidnappings of dozens of people on Basilan island, and participated in the Abu Sayyaf raid on a rubber plantation in 2001 in Lamitan town where 11 of the 15 farmers were beheaded.
"Tajajul was one of the most notorious terrorists the Abu Sayyaf had on its roster. He was included in the military's order of battle and it's the end of the road for man who had no fear of God," Ferrer said.
Last week, two soldiers were attacked and wounded by the Abu Sayyaf in Jolo island but security forces captured one of two gunmen after a running gun battle.
The soldiers were returning to their base from a humanitarian mission on a remote village on Saturday when they came under fire. Authorities blamed the Abu Sayyaf for the string of bombings and kidnappings in the troubled region. (Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Cebu. (November 7, 2006 issue)
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