Another Bandit Chief Dead

Lt. Esteffani A. Cacho, spokesman of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), said Marines clashed with Abu Sayaf subgroup leader Basarun Ahaduk in Sitio Kabun Latih, Barangay Bungkaon in the town of Patikul at around 8:30 a.m.

"Troops were able to recover [Ahaduk’s] body and is still pursuing the fleeing enemy," she said.

No one was reported hurt or killed on the government side. The military has so far slain seven bandits since operations started on Sunday that resulted in the killing of Albader Parad, which the military described as a major blow to the group.

"This is still part of the pursuit operations against the Abu Sayyaf following the encounter at Karawan [complex] in Indanan town," Ms. Cacho said.

The death of Parad, who has a P7-million bounty from the state, is considered a major accomplishment in the counterterrorism campaign.

Tuesday’s clash followed the military’s new tactic in dismantling the militant group, said WestMinCom chief Lt. Gen. Benjamin D. Dolorfino, making it easier to eliminate the remaining bandits.

The military claimed only a handful of bandit leaders are alive with some too old to wage an offensive.

Despite the gain, Mr. Dolorfino said they are vigilant against the emergence of new bandit leaders and members. The military and the police are on heightened alert to thwart possible retaliation from the Abu Sayyaf. -- Darwin T. Wee

Source: Business World