Extremist guerrillas yesterday attacked civilian targets in Jolo, sparking fresh clashes that ended with troops capturing another rebel encampment, officials said. Field reports from the police and military said the Abu Sayyaf militants, backed by Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels, fired a barrage of mortar bombs on the village of Siit in Panamao town, but there were no reports of casualties. It was the second time this week that gunmen attacked the village, where troops maintain several command posts.Security forces also captured yesterday a major Abu Sayyaf base in Mt. Purot in Indanan town and destroyed many bunkers and fox holes. Soldiers also recovered spent shells for mortars and ammunition for automatic rifles, said the reports reaching the militaryâs Southern Command here in Zamboanga City. It was the 3rd camp soldiers have overrun since fighting broke out on Friday in Jolo. Two other bases were captured in Buanza village and in Mt. Kapok, all in Indanan town, a known stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf on the island. âAbu Sayyaf supporters fired a series of mortar rounds in the village of Siit and its good that no civilians were killed or injured,â Southern Command spokesman Col. Domingo Tutaan said by phone from Jolo.
Tutaan was with Southern Command chief Lt. Gen. Edilberto Adan, who flew to Jolo to inspect troops. He also spoke with senior commanders about the progress of the operation. He ordered an intensified campaign against the Abu Sayyaf and their supporters. Four soldiers were killed and 22 others wounded since last week and dozens of Abu Sayyaf and MNLF rebels were also slain in the clashes. Heavy rains the past 2 days have slowed down the military assault in Jolo. The islandâs military commander, Brig. Gen. Alexander Aleo, accused the MNLF of aiding the Abu Sayyaf and in many instances fought alongside with them. âThe operation is going on and fighting has resumed,â he said.
Aleo said his group is pursuing Abu Sayyaf leaders in Jolo island, Albader Parad and Radulan Sahiron, and Umbra Jumdail Gumbahali, who are all included in the terror lists of Washington and Manila. Social Welfare acting chief Lualhati Pablo said Tuesday that some 900 people have fled their homes in Buanza village and are now sheltered in safer areas in Indanan. Other reports said as many as 2,500 civilians were displaced by the strife.