THE government troops have seized an Abu Sayyaf encampment as focus military operations continue against the bandits group that are still holding at least 13 hostages in the jungles of Sulu.
Major Filemon Tan, Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) spokesman, said the troops seized the Abu Sayyaf camp following a 45-minute fire fight that broke out around 8 a.m., Tuesday, in the village of Gulangan, Maimbung, Sulu.
Tan said the camp, which can accommodate more or less 200 people, belongs to Idang Susukan, a mid-level leader of the Abu Sayyaf Group.
According to Tan, the camp has a source of potable water. The troops have recovered gun parts, a motorcycle, and other personal belongings.
He said there was no casualty on the government troops while it is undetermined on the side of the Abu Sayyaf Group.
The bandits are still holding 13 people, including eight foreigners, hostage in the jungles of Sulu.
The hostages include a Dutchman bird watcher, a Canadian, a Norwegian, four Malaysians and five Filipinos.