Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 20) — Two suspected Abu Sayyaf personalities, both believed to be sub-leaders, were killed in an encounter in Sulu on Friday, the military confirmed.
The AFP Western Mindanao Command said troops of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-1 were conducting combat operation at Bud Bawis Complex, Barangay Kawasan in Panamao, Sulu when they encountered the group of Hatib Munap Binda at 5:45 a.m. on Friday.
A gun battle ensued that lasted for 30 minutes, according to reports.
Marine troops recovered one M16 rifle and one M14 rifle with the body of Binda.
“Based on our records, Binda is the senior leader of the ASG operating in the municipalities of Kalingalan Caluang and Panamao, Sulu. He was a member of the said terrorist organization since 2002,” WestMinCom chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr. said.
Meanwhile, another alleged ASG leader identified as Bensio Barahama was killed in a separate encounter at 6:45 a.m. on the same day.
This time, the firefight lasted for 20 minutes, and one M14 rifle was recovered.
“Likewise, Bensio is a sub-leader of the Panamao-based ASG and is involved in numerous kidnap-for-ransom activities victimizing foreign nationals including Lorenzo Vinciguerra (Swiss national), and Maharudin Bin Lunani and Muhammad Farhan (both Indonesian nationals),” Vinluan said.
All military units in the area are in hot pursuit of the remaining troops of the Abu Sayaff within the said perimeter.
