ELEVEN MEMBERS of the notorious Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) were killed in separate encounters with the 5th Scout Ranger Battalion in Patikul, Sulu on May 13 and 14 amid the military’s efforts to rescue hostages of the kidnap-for-ransom group. Three soldiers were also killed in action. The ASG faction, led by sub-leaders Hajan Sawadjaan, Idang Susukan, Injam Yadah, and Ben Tattoh, holds captive two police officers who were abducted last April 29, according to Brigadier General Cirilito E. Sobejana. Among the 10 ASG members killed on Sunday were identified as Amah Talah; Taha Sawadjaan, Hajan’s younger brother and second-in-command of the ASG; Long Abraham; and a certain alias “Red.” On Monday, three more bodies, believed to be among those neutralized on Sunday, were recovered by the military, including a “suspicious foreign terrorist,” which the military has yet to identify. An ASG member was killed in another clash on the same day. The military retrieved two high-powered firearms and various paraphernalia and supplies. — Minde Nyl R. dela Cruz

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