Three government troops were killed when they were ambushed by the Abu Sayyaf Group while on board motorcycles in Sumisip, Basilan last Wednesday.
Col. Gerry Besana, spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Western Mindanao Command, said the incident took place at about 8:45 a.m.
It was learned that troops composed of one Army personnel and two militiamen were on board two motorcycles and traversing the road in Sitio Talisay, Upper Benembengan, when they were peppered with bullets by the enemy.
The group just came from the Talisay detachment when they were shot at.
The incident resulted in the killing of the soldier and the two Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit members whose identities remain unknown. The number of fatalities on the side of the enemy has yet to be determined.
Besana said troops are in hot pursuit of the Abu Sayyaf members who attacked their fellow troops.
Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, commander of the Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command, expressed his condolences to the bereaved family of the troops who died in the attack.
“The recent attack is a clear manifestation that the Abu Sayyaf Group is incapable of engaging combat troops who are conducting intensified operations in the area. Rather, they are resorting to diversionary tactics to disrupt the peaceful situation in the province,” Dela Vega said.
“Rest assured that the families of those who died will be provided with all sorts of assistance,” he added. (Francis T. Wakefield)
