September 5, 2012, Mindanao Examiner, 3 Sayyaf killed in Philippine clash,

September 5, 2012, Mindanao Examiner, 3 Sayyaf killed in Philippine clash,

Zamboanga City (Mindanao Examiner) – Three Abu Sayyaf rebels were killed and four soldiers wounded in fierce clashes Tuesday in the restive province of Basilan in the southern Philippines, officials said.

Officials said the fighting erupted in the village of Guiong in Sumisip town where troops battled for two hours some 100 rebels. “The fighting was fierce and lasted up to two hours and three Abu Sayyaf (members) were killed,” Capt. Albert Caber, a spokesman for the 1st Infantry Division, told the Mindanao Examiner. 

He said the military fired artillery towards the Abu Sayyaf positions and ground troops, backed by OV-10 bombers, pounded the enemy lairs. 

He said Maj. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz, the regional army commander, ordered troops in Basilan to continue their operations against the Abu Sayyaf. 

“General Cruz further encourage the assistance from the provincial officials of Basilan to support the military and police campaign against lawlessness so that lasting peace and continuing progress in the area will be achieved,” Caber said. 

Police said the Abu Sayyaf is believed to be holding Australian adventurer Warren Rodwell, 55, in Basilan province. Rodwell was kidnapped in December last year from his seaside home in the town of Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay province. 

Two European wildlife photographers Ewold Horn, 52, from Holland; and Lorenzo Vinciguerre, 47, from Switzerland, were also kidnapped earlier this year in Tawi-Tawi province. 

The Abu Sayyaf is still holding a Japanese man, a Chinese national and three Filipinos in the restive region of Mindanao. LINK: