[Manila Bulletin] Two Abu Sayyaf militants were killed during a raid conducted by Philippine troops yesterday morning in the town of Pata in Sulu province while another rebel facing seven counts of kidnapping was arrested in Zamboanga City.Military spokesman Filemon Tan, Jr. identified the slain miltants as Nixon Muktadil and Brown Muktadil - more notoriously known as the Muktadil brothers. Tan said the soldiers raided Tambulian Island early yesterday morning after receiving reports about their presence. When the troops arrived, a gun battle broke out with the militant pair being killed in the clash.
According to Tan, the brothers were involved in the kidnappings of 26 Indonesian and Malaysian nationals, mostly tugboat crewmen in the last five months.
On Monday, police in the city also arrested an Abu Sayyaf militant who was facing seven counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges in Isabela City, Basilan province. Chief Inspector Elmer Solon identified the arrested rebel as Abdul Baliyung, alias Majula Gani.