ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Five suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group were killed and 2 others were wounded during a firefight in Basilan. One soldier, a member of Army Task Group Panther, was slightly wounded during the skirmish.

The encounter, which occurred near Barangay Baiwas in Sumisip, Basilan on April 26, developed into a major military operation that led to the capture of a suspected Abu Sayyaf encampment.

The military identified the dead as Jassim Ramirez, Jimran Jalanna, Jolly Tadiin, Omar Dapao and a certain Amillatuk. The suspected bandits who were wounded were identified as Sadam Sabtal and Andut Mukammalin.

More soldiers were sent to the area to pursue the fleeing Abu Sayyaf band.

As the military searched for the Abu Sayyaf members, an improvised explosive device exploded, wounding 4 members of a patrol from the 4th Scout Ranger Company.

After the blast, a skirmish began between the Scout Rangers and a group of gunmen believed to be led by Puriji Indama that led to a cat-and-mouse chase.

The wounded soldiers are now recuperating at the Camp Navarro General Hospital.

By the afternoon, during a related operation, Marines overran a suspected Abu Sayyaf camp.

Recovered from the camp were bomb-making materials, including 4 B-40 rocket propelled grenades and 2 60mm mortar rounds.

Intelligence officers from the 1st Marine Brigade believe the Abu Sayyaf intended to use the recovered explosives to disrupt the elections on May 10.

Rear Admiral Alexander Pamam, commander of Joint Task Force Trillium, said his troops will intensify their hunt for the bandits and other terrorist groups who want to undermine the security of the province. --