Sayyaf sub-commander killed in Basilan clash

An Abu Sayyaf sub-leader was killed in an encounter with government troops in Basilan Wednesday evening while other members of his group are now on the run from pursuing government troops, the Philippine Army on Thursday said. Special Forces Regiment commander Brig. Gen. Arturo Ortiz confirmed that Ayong Ikung, an identified leader of a small group of Abu Sayyaf bandits, was killed in the encounter. Ortiz noted that the bandit leader’s body was recovered by government troops after his companions fled advancing government troops in an encounter at the mountainous Kapayawan located at the boundary of Lantawan and Isabela towns. Ikung’s shotgun and one fragmentation grenade were also recovered by soldiers. The encounter occurred around 8:25 p.m. Wednesday, after elements from the Army’s Special Forces chanced upon an undetermined number of Abu Sayyaf bandits and other lawless elements. The bandit group was led by Ikung, along with Enteng Anjil Soler and a certain Ondong, the military said. Ortiz said pursuit operations are currently being conducted by the Army’s 8th Special Forces company against the group. - GMANews.TV