END OF THE LINE. Abu Sayyaf Group bandit Ben Saji dies in a clash with government forces in Barangay Bungkaong in Patikul town, Sulu province on Thursday (Oct. 13, 2022). The troops of the Army’s 45th Infantry Battalion were on security operation when they encountered the bandits. (Courtesy of Joint Task Force Sulu)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – A member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) was killed in a clash with government forces in Sulu province, military officials reported Saturday.
Ben Saji was killed around 7:20 p.m. Thursday in Barangay Bungkaong, Patikul town, according to Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, Joint Task Force (JTF)-Sulu commander.
The Army’s 45th Infantry Battalion was then conducting security operation when they encountered the followers of ASG leader Abu Pading.
“Our troops were on a routine patrol when a concerned citizen tipped off the presence of ASG bandits at the outskirts in Barangay Bungkaong,” Patrimonio said in a statement. “While on their way to check the veracity of the report, the troops were fired upon by around four ASG bandits.”
The rest of the ASG bandits fled after a brief firefight, leaving behind the remains of Saji.
“Upon verification, he was identified as Ben Saji under ASG sub-leader Abu Padding,” said Brig. Gen. Benjamin Batara Jr., commander of the 1103rd Infantry Brigade, in another statement.
The troops recovered an M16 rifle with several rounds of ammunition.
Saji's remains were turned over to village officials. (PNA)
