7 injured as MNLF, ASG bandits clash in Sulu

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Seven MNLF Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members were wounded in a recent clash with the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits in Sulu, the Joint Task Force Sulu said Monday.

“I appreciate the contributions of the MNLF as one of the peace-inclined groups in our efforts to secure the whole province for the betterment of every Suluanon,” said Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., Joint Task Force Sulu commander.

Lt. Col. Esnani Mai, military liaison to the MNLF, said the firefight happened around 9 a.m. Friday in Sitio Bunga, Barangay Kagay, Indanan, Sulu.

Mai said that the clash broke out when the MNLF forces headed by Commander Abraham Joel chanced upon a group of 50 ASG bandits while conducting a security patrol in response to the reported presence of bandits in an MNLF community in Barangay Kagay.

The wounded MNLF fighters were taken to the Camp General Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Jolo, Sulu, after the 40-minute firefight.

Col. Ignatius Patrimonio, the Army’s 1102nd Infantry Brigade commander, said the MNLF forces clashed with the groups of ASG leaders Taun Annoh and Apoh Mike.

Patrimonio said the groups of Annoh and Mike were involved in the kidnapping of five Indonesian fishermen on the waters of Lahad Datu, Sabah, Malaysia on January 17, this year.

Citing intelligence reports, the Army official said an undetermined number of ASG bandits were injured during the clash.

The MNLF forces are tracking down the fleeing ASG bandits, he added. (PNA)