GOVERNMENT forces clashed with the Abu Sayyaf bandits around 10 a.m. Friday at Sitio Forestal, Kamamburingang village, Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan province, military official said Saturday, March 2.
Colonel Gerry Besana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, said the troops from the Army’s 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion were conducting focused military operation on Friday when they clashed against 20 Abu Sayyaf bandits.
The clash lasted for about 20 minutes after which the Abu Sayyaf bandits led by Puruji Indama fled towards south direction.
Besana said no casualty was reported on the government side while on the enemy side it is yet to be determined as pursuit operation has been launched.
Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, Westmincom chief, said the Abu Sayyaf bandits are trying to reorganize “but it is assured that we will not allow them.”
“Intensified operations are currently being conducted to pursue the fleeing bandits,” Dela Vega added. (SunStar Philippines)