June 11, 2001, Sun Star Davao, MNLF clash with Sayyaf bandits,

June 11, 2001, Sun Star Davao, MNLF clash with Sayyaf bandits,

JOLO, Sulu -- Members of the Moro National Liberation Front who have been integrated in the government's armed forces clashed with suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf in Bunot, Indanan Sunday around 10 am. No one was reported killed. 

Two squads were attending funeral rites in Lampati, Indanan town when they received reports that suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf were seen in Bunot, some 300 meters away. The armed forces were on their way to the area when armed men engaged them in a firefight. 

Reports said brothers Albadir and Lalung Parad, allegedly "commanders" of the Abu Sayyaf were seen hiding in a hut while eight others were waiting in another hut. The suspected bandits fled towards a known Abu Sayyaf lair -- Mt. Pukay, the second highest mountain south of Sulu -- as military reinforcements came.  

Last Friday, two helicopter gun-ships bombed a mountainous area in Patikul and Talipao towns, following reports that Abu Sayyaf bandits were seen there. There are no civilians residing in the area but shrapnel hit one of two boys who were in the area to harvest some coconuts. The boy is now confined at the provincial hospital. Military officials declined to comment, citing the news blackout directive of President Arroyo.