Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Five Abu Sayyaf members were killed while one was arrested Tuesday morning during intensified military operations in Sitio Talok Talok, Capual, Sulu.
Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) Spokesperson Capt. Joann Petinglay said members of the Marine Special Operations Group engaged the Abu Sayyaf members under subleader Alhabsi Misaya.
A 20-minute fire fight ensued in the area.
The military also seized high-powered firearms from the Abu Sayyaf, including four M16 and four M14 rifles.
Petinglay said the engaging troops were reinforced by available units in the area to pursue other Abu Sayyaf members.
Naval forces blocked the waters of Capual Island for possible interception of the fleeing bandits.
WestMinCom said in a statement that Joint Task Force Sulu is still “conducting clearing and hot pursuit operation in Capual Island for possible recover of kidnap victims.”
WestMinCom Commander Maj. Gen. Carlito Galviz, Jr. said both the local government and the community are cooperating in containing the Abu Sayyaf group in the area.
“This operational success manifests the commitment of the AFP in fulfilling its mandate of bringing internal peace and security in the province of Sulu,” he said.
Galvez also said the remains of the five slain Abu Sayyaf members will be given proper burial in accordance with Muslim rites.
