June 28, 2001, BusinessWorld, AFP sees 'decisive battle' soon vs. Abu Sayyaf,

At least four Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed while six others were wounded as government troops on search and rescue mission closed in on a band holding hostages the other day, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) yesterday said.

In a press conference, AFP spokesman Brigadier General Edilberto P. Adan said the rebel casualties were part of the main group holding 23 remaining hostages and that one government soldier was also wounded. He said a fire-fight started at around 5:00 p.m. at Sitio Fuente Egas, Brgy. Masola in Isabela City, Basilan, western Mindanao. Running gunbattles lasted for about four hours until 9:00 p.m., he said.

"We estimate that this is the main group of about 40 to 50 bandits, but they are not bunched together. We believe that some are trying to extricate the hostages out of the area of encounter ... No hostages were seen but we believe they are just within the vicinity," Mr. Adan said. Mr. Adan also said that following recent developments in the military's pursuit and rescue operations, a "decisive battle" is expected in a matter of days.

"We're doing fine. In a few days, we're hoping for a decisive battle," Mr. Adan said when asked to assess the military's month-long operation. As this developed, a suspected Abu Sayyaf rebel was wounded after being shot at by still unidentified armed men believed to be members of a vigilante group in Brgy. Mabaracat in Isabela City around 11 a.m. on Wednesday.

Mr. Adan identified the suspect as Mustafa Abdullah Wong who is presently confined at the Basilan Provincial Hospital. Since pursuit and rescue efforts started last June 1, at least 11 Abu Sayyaf rebels have been killed while 11 others have been wounded. 16 soldiers have died and 58 others wounded. As
this developed, the military said it has uncovered a plot by the Abu Sayyaf to stage bombings and other terrorist activities in Metro Manila.