MARINE forces have killed two Abu Sayyaf members and captured two wounded bandits following a firefight early Tuesday, October 30, in Sulu.

Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said the Marines were on combat operations when they encountered

around 100 Abu Sayyaf bandits at 5:08 a.m. Tuesday, October 30, in the village of Lihbug Kabaw, Panglima Estino, Sulu.

The bandits were led by Radullan Sahiron and sub-leaders Idang Susukan and Almujer Yadah.

Dela Vega said two Abu Sayyaf members were killed in the clash, while two others were wounded and captured.

No one was either killed or wounded among the troops, who belong to the 61st, 62nd and 64th Marine Companies.

Dela Vega said the troops recovered the remains of the two slain bandits, as well as one M653 "Baby Armalite" rifle and one M-15 rifle from the clash site.

The two captured Abu Sayyaf members were brought to Kuta Camp General Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Jolo, Sulu.

The Abu Sayyaf bandits are still holding captives 10 people -- a Dutch, a Vietnamese and eight Filipinos -- in the hinterlands of Sulu. (SunStar Philippines)