ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Philippine military captured a wounded Abu Sayyaf following a gunfight with security forces in the southern province of Sulu, officials said Wednesday.
Officials said the wounded terrorist, Christopher Usam, was brought to a military hospital where he is being treated. Usam led a small band of terrorists in fighting soldiers and pro-government militias in the village of Bidd in Parang town on Monday.
At least four other Abu Sayyaf fighters managed to escape from the clashes which lasted over 40 minutes. There was no report of military casualties, according to Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, commander of the 11th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force-Sulu.
“Based on the report from 1101st Infantry Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Eugenio Boquio, operating troops of the 41st Infantry Battalion and Barangay Peace Action Team members of the municipality of Parang were on a routine security patrol when they encountered more or less 5 ASG members under Chris in the village of Biid.”
“The firefight lasted for 40 minutes and while clearing the encounter site, the troops captured a wounded ASG with gunshot wounds at the lower right abdomen, left side of his body and right middle finger and a recovery of an M16 rifle. Thereafter, our troops immediately applied first aid to the wounded ASG, and transported to Camp Bautista Station Hospital for medical treatment. However, he needs to undergo a surgical operation and so we evacuated him to Sanitarium Hospital in Jolo,” Patrimonio said.
He also quoted a report from Boquio saying troops were sent to hunt down Usam’s group.
Patrimonio lauded the soldiers and the local peace keeping force in
thwarting the Abu Sayyaf’s plans to create havoc in peaceful communities. He
also urged Abu Sayyaf fighters to lay down their arms, go back to the fold of
the law, and live peacefully.
“We will be relentless on our efforts to end terrorism. I am reiterating our call to better lay down your arms peacefully while you have the chance. The government is here to help you live normally and start anew,” he said. (Mindanao Examiner)
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