A Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf Group member and two others were killed in an encounter with government troops in an island barangay in Zamboanga City Friday morning.
A woman and a child, said to be the wife and child of the slain militant “Abu Nibras,” were reportedly the two others killed in the encounter. Details regarding the death of the two individuals have yet to be disclosed as of posting time.
A report coming from the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Western Mindanao Command said Nibras was killed by the Marine Battalion Landing Team 11 under the Joint Task Force Zamboanga in Sitio Logon, Barangay Limaong at about 5:30 a.m.
Troops of the MBLT11 responded to reports from residents about the presence of unknown number of armed individuals with unfamiliar faces. Sensing the presence of government troops, the group opened fire, triggering an encounter that lasted for 10 minutes.
Troops recovered the body of Abu Nibras, one M16 rifle, and several improvised explosive devices and other components. Abu Nibras was a trusted follower of Basilan-based ASG sub leader Abdullah Indanan. (Francis T. Wakefield)