ASG killed in Sulu clash

By Aaron Recuenco

Army troopers killed a suspected member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in a brief but fierce clash in Patikul, Sulu.

Col. Gerry Besana, the spokesman of the Western Mindanao Command, said the encounter also resulted in the wounding of a member of the 32nd Infantry Battalion.

Besana said the clash erupted when soldiers chanced upon at least 10 ASG fighters in Sitio Kan Udang in Barangay Kan Ugue on Sunday morning.

The ensuing gun battle lasted for several minutes until the ASG bandits fled.

Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, commanding general of the Western Mindanao Command, said the intensified military operations are part of the campaign to secure elections in Mindanao.

Sulu and the nearby province of Basilan are on the military tight watch due to the presence of ASG and private goons of politicians.

“The Western Mindanao Command continuously conduct intensified military operations to deter the different threat groups from creating havoc,” said dela Vega.

The ASG was tagged as responsible for the high-profile attacks in the past. The government has always tried to eliminate the ASG but to no avail.