ZAMBOANGA CITY – An Abu Sayyaf Group member was killed in a firefight with Joint Task Force Sulu troops in Patikul, Sulu on Thursday, Oct. 13.
Major Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said soldiers were doing a routine patrol when they received information that ASG bandits had been spotted in Barangay Bungkaong.
The soldiers were on their way to the area when they were fired upon by a group of four ASG fighters, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
After the firefight, troops found the body of an ASG member who was later identified as Ben Saji, a follower of ASG sub-leader “Padding.”
Troops also found an M16 rifle and a magazine, live ammunition, and the bandits’ personal belongings.
Patrimonio commended the soldiers’ accomplishments and thanked the community for providing information that led to the neutralization of the bandit.