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7 die in Sulu clash

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.

August 29, 2017, 9:35 pm

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Seven people, including four suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits, were killed while two others were wounded in a clash in the province of Sulu, a top military official said Tuesday.

Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said the clash occurred at around 12:45 p.m. Tuesday in sitio Kan Hassan, Barangay Bud Bunga, Talipao, Sulu.

Sobejana identified the groups as that of Jul Hamidi of Barangay Upper Kamuntayan, Talipao and another one of suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits led by Al Arod.

Sobejana added that the group of Arod is a known enemy of the Hamidi family.

He said Arod is the son of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Arod Wahing.

The firefight resulted in the death of Jul Hamidi and two of his followers, namely Kaidal Sayyari and a certain Juddama.

Two of Hamidi’s followers were wounded. One of them was identified as Hatib Jamih.

On the side of the Abu Sayyaf, four were killed including Arod. Two of the other three fatalities were only identified as a certain Kiram and a certain Awa.

Sobejana said the Abu Sayyaf bandits withdrew towards the forested area leaving behind their slain companions and dragged along the wounded members.

Sobejana said troops from the Army’s 21st Infantry Battalion are tracking down the fleeing Abu Sayyaf bandits. (PNA)

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