Abu Sayyaf terrorist killed, two soldiers wounded in Sulu clash

The terrorist killed was under an Abu Sayyaf subleader highly wanted by the Philippines and Malaysia.

ZAMBOANGA CITY: A terrorist was killed and two soldiers wounded during an encounter between the Philippine Army and an Abu Sayyaf terror group (ASG) led by a subleader highly wanted by Malaysia and the Philippines in the southern island province of Sulu on Monday. 

Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, Commander of Joint Task Force Sulu, in a statement Tuesday, said the armed confrontation between the group of Mudzrimar Sawadjaan, a.k.a. Mundi, and troops of the 111th Division Reconnaissance Company and the 32nd Infantry Battalion (32IB) broke out in Kabbon Takas village, Patikul municipality. 

"Due to the superior firepower of the 111DRC troopers, the enemies quickly withdrew," said Patrimonio. 

"While evading the military troops, the ASG members chanced upon the military reinforcement from the 32IB. Another firefight ensued, after which the enemies fled bringing along their casualties with them."

While scouring the encounter site, operating troops recovered one dead body and one M14 rifle. 

Soldiers also recovered one bandoleer with seven loaded magazines, one Nokia analog phone and three backpacks loaded with assorted stuff and personal belongings. 

"The slain ASG member was identified as Rhudymar Habib Jihiran, a.k.a. Gulam," said Patrimonio. 

"The two encounters also resulted in the wounding of two soldiers. Both are in stable condition and are currently recuperating at Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital." 

Jihiran's remains were turned over to the police forensic team for proper disposition.

“Despite our constant call for peaceful resolution of conflicts, some remain coldhearted, hence, we continue to intensify our operations to press on them,” Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, Commander of Western Mindanao Command, said in the statement. 

“Rest assured that our operations are always in adherence to the international humanitarian law and other laws promulgated to ensure the safety of the communities."

Mundi, an expert bombmaker, is tagged by Philippine authorities in a string of suicide bombings at Sulu churches that took dozens of lives. 

Mundi is a nephew of Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, the emir of Daesh Southeast Asia who reportedly died after a clash with government troops in 2020 but whose body has not been found. 

Mundi is also wanted by Malaysia's Eastern Sabah Security Command in eastern Borneo for transborder crime.