|
Sunday, December 23, 2007
1 die, 5 wounded in Sulu clash
By Bong Garcia
ZAMBOANGA CITY -- A Philippine Marine Corps was killed, while five others, including four civilians, were wounded when fresh fighting broke out Saturday in the island province of Sulu, south of Zamboanga City.
A report reaching the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) disclosed that troops from the 2nd Marine Brigade were checking a report by villagers about the presence of Abu Sayyaf gunmen outside Kalingalan Caluang township on Jolo island when they encountered the militants, Jolo island commander Maj. Gen. Reuben Rafael said.
Post your comments here on the Makati siege
The militants were allegedly backed by "rogue elements" from the Moro National Liberation Front, which signed a peace deal with the government 11 years ago, the military said.
The Abu Sayyaf and rouge MNLF rebels used the civilians in the area as shield while retreating, according to the report.
The ground troops backed by helicopters pursued the bandits and rouge MNLF when they later freed the civilian hostages.
The enemy forces were believed to have suffered heavy casualties during the government troops' pursuit operations.
The wounded civilians and soldier were brought to the hospital for treatment.
The troops have recovered three M-16 rifles, three M-14 rifles and a Garand rifle from the encounter site.
Westmincom chief Major General Nelson Allaga earlier said offensive against all forms of lawless groups would continue despite the troops' yuletide break.
The military could not immediately give a casualty figure for the rebels, who were seen carrying away their dead and wounded.
The Abu Sayyaf, which is on US and European terror lists, is notorious for kidnappings and beheadings.
The Philippine military has credited counterterrorism training by the US military for battle successes and the killing and arrest of the group's key leaders.(Sunnex)For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star General Santos. (December 23, 2007 issue)
Write letter to the editor. Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board. Click here. |
|
|
|
[return to top]
[home]
|
|
Court acquits owner of bodega used as 'mega shabu lab'