Abu Sayyaf ‘sympathizer’ killed in Basilan raid

An alleged sympathizer of the Abu Sayyaf was killed when government forces carried out a raid in Sumisip, Basilan, early Monday, the military reported.

Killed was a certain Ajie Gomez, a sympathizer of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Pasil Bayali whose group has been behind bomb threats and extortion in the province, said Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, Armed Forces Joint Task Force Basilan commander.

Troops of the Army’s 64th Infantry Battalion, along with policemen, carried out the operation against Gomez in Brgy. Limbocandis.

Local authorities earlier received information that Gomez had in his possession an anti-personnel mine.

During the raid, Gomez attempted to use his M16 rifle against the operating troops, prompting the government forces to retaliate, the military said.

Operatives seized from Gomez an M16A1 rifle with two magazines loaded with 58 rounds of ammunition, a caliber-.38 revolver with six rounds of ammunition, a bandoleer, and an improvised mine.

The mine was made up of the incendiary compound ammonium nitrate/fuel oil, a 9-volt battery, tripwire, and parts of a motorcycle chain, the military said.