AFP: Abu Sayyaf leader, member killed in Basilan

A Basilan-based leader of the notorious Abu Sayyaf group and a member were killed Sunday in an encounter with Scout Ranger troops in Tipo-Tipo town in southern Philippines, an Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) report said. Another Abu Sayyaf member was captured while a number of high-powered weapons and documents with high intelligence value were recovered following the 5:45 a.m. encounter at Sitio Basak in Barangay Baguindan, the report said. Army chief Lt. Gen. Arturo Ortiz said the clash lasted for about 45 minutes, after which the bandits withdrew, leaving behind the bodies of their two comrades. The fatalities were identified as Patti Kabulot, reportedly the leader of the group that clashed with the government troops, and Bomboh Indana, supposedly the uncle of Furuji Indama, another Abu Sayyaf leader in the province. The military report identified the arrested bandit as Madar Kabulot, reportedly Patti’s cousin. Seized weapons included a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) with two live ammunition, two M16 rifles, one bandoleer, several military uniforms, personal belongings, and documents. The Abu Sayyaf has been largely blamed for spate of bombing and kidnapping incidents, including of foreign nationals, not only in Mindanao but also in Metro Manila. Ortiz said the skirmish was the military’s first armed engagement with the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan this year. As of end 2010, the Armed Forces placed the strength of the Abu Sayyaf at 340 men with about 296 firearms. - KBK, GMANews.TV