nurse Ediborah Yap, a leader of their kidnappers was shot in a fight with troops on Friday June 21, said reports monitored by BosNewsLife.
Philippine President Gloria Arroyo told reporters that Abu Sayyaf members and Philippine troops "clashed early Friday morning," off the coast of Zamboanga del Norte. It was not immediately clear if the leader, Aby Sabaya, was killed in the gun battle.
The Voice of America (VOA) quoted General Melchor Rosales as saying that "there were seven Abu Sayyaf members who were in that encounter", and that his troops "captured four of the Abu Sayyaf members."
BOAT BATTLE
"They confirmed that Abu Sabaya was one of those who was inside the boat and that he was hit. However, we have not recovered the body," he added. VOA reported that American troops provided surveillance and communications support for the encounter but were not involved in the fighting.
More than 1,000 U.S. troops and advisers have been in the southern Philippines since February to train with Philippine soldiers in fighting terrorist groups such as the Abu Sayyaf.
The Abu Sayyaf claims to be fighting for a Muslim nation in the southern Philippines and has vague links to the al-Qaida network of terrorists but the group has become best known for kidnapping people for ransom.
GRACIA BURNHAM
Gracia Burnham, the wife of the killed American missionary, told reporters earlier that she supported the fight against Abu Sayyaf. Group leader Abu Sabaya, who often spoke to foreign media, led the kidnapping of 20 hostages, including the Burnhams, at an island resort last year. Some hostages escaped or were released after paying ransom, but the militant group killed others.
During a rescue attempt, Martin Burnham and the Philipino nurse Ediborah Yap were killed, while Gracia Burnham was seriously wounded. The killed missionary worker and the nurse were both remembered in prayers in recent weeks by Christians around the world.
Thousands attended last weeks memorial service of Martin Burnham including representatives of the United States President George W. Bush administration, in Wichita, Kansas.
MISSIONARY PILOT
Martin Burnham went to the Philippines with his missionary parents in 1969 – at the age of 9 and he and his wife were later employed as New Tribes Mission (NTM) missionaries in 1985.
From 1986 he served with NTM Philippines, providing flight support as a pilot for missionaries, delivering their mail, supplies and encouragement.
Friends of the Burnhams have set up a special benefit fund for Gracia and her three children.
