KILLED. Government troops raid on Friday (November 13, 2020) the hideout of Abu Sayyaf Group bandit Hasid Salajim in Barangay Etub-Etub, Sumisip, Basilan province. A shootout ensued after Salajim opened fire on the soldiers, who were forced to return fire. (Photo courtesy of Joint Task Force Basilan)
ZAMBOANGA CITY--An Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandit was killed when government troops raided an ASG hideout in the province of Basilan, officials said Friday.
Lt. Gen Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said the 5:30 a.m. raid on Friday in Barangay Etub-Etub, Sumisip, Basilan, resulted in the death of ASG bandit Hasid Salajim.
Vinluan said Salajim opened fire on government troops. "Our soldiers were forced to return fire which resulted in the death of Salajim," he said.
The troops recovered an M-16 Armalite rifle from Salajim's possession.
Col. Domingo Gobway, Joint Task Force Basilan commander, said Salajim was a follower of ASG sub-leader Pasil Bayali, and the seventh ASG member killed by government forces since January this year.
Since January, Gobway said 28 ASG bandits have surrendered, and two were apprehended. (PNA)
