Troops from the Philippine Army and fighters from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fought side-by-side against Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) gunmen in Pamatsaken in Sumisip, Basilan last Saturday.
Col. Rolando Joselito Bautista, 104th Brigade commander, confirmed Sunday that three platoons of the 64th Infantry Battalion and MILF fighters led by Sumisip Central Barangay Captain Marjim Barillo, reinforced a group of MILF members engaged in a firefight with around 50 heavily armed ASG gunmen in Pamatsaken around 10 a.m. Saturday, a report on the Manila Bulletin said.
According to the report, Bautista said the ASG bandits were composed of forces of ASG leaders Radzmil Janatul, alias “Khubayb;” Juhaibel Alamsirul, alias “Abu Kik;” and Pasil Bayali.
The ASG members immediately withdrew from their position toward Barangay Baiwas, also in Sumisip when they sensed that reinforcement was coming, Bautista added.
One ASG member was reportedly killed while an MILF member identified as Sahid Liberal, alias “Balinting” was wounded during the encounter. The report said the Army facilitated the evacuation of Liberal to a community hospital in Isabela City for medical treatment.
The combined forces of the AFP and the MILF were able to clear ASG camps and a jungle base previously overrun by the 104th brigade during a massive military operation in the area last month, the report said.
