Abu Sayyaf fighter killed in Sulu encounter


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.

THE body of Abu Sayyaf Group member Ben Saji lies beside personal belongings of his colleagues in the encounter site in Patikul, Sulu. (JTF Sulu photo)

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.