ASG ‘bandit’ killed, 2 captured in latest Sulu clash

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- An Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandit was killed in a clash with Marine troops while an ASG couple was captured on an island in the province of Sulu, a top military official said Friday.

Rear Adm. Rene Medina, Naval Forces Western Mindanao (Navforwem) commander, said the still unidentified ASG bandit was slain in a clash that occurred Sunday on Simisa Island, Banguingui, Sulu.

On the other hand, Medina said the ASG couple--Abdu Mohammad and Nurlinda Sulaiman--was captured on Wednesday in Sitio Suba, Barangay Bakaan, also on Simisa Island.

Medina said Sunday's firefight ensued when the Marine troops chanced upon 15 ASG bandits, led by Salip Mura, while conducting focused military operation in Simisa Island.

An R4 rifle with two magazines and one backpack containing two cell phones with assorted clothes were recovered from the clash site. The troops have recovered five motorboats when they captured the Mohammad couple on Wednesday in a follow-up operation on Simisa Island, the military official said.

He said the five motorboats were supposed to be used by the ASG bandits in fleeing Simisa Island to evade the advancing troops.

Medina said the intensive focused military operation and "selfless dedications of the troops" in Sulu have led to the neutralization and capture of the ASG bandits, as well as the recovery of high-powered firearms and motorboats. (PNA)