By Jong Cadion
ZAMBOANGA CITY
(March 3, 2017) - Amid the intensified conduct of focused military
operations to rescue the kidnapped victims of the Abu Sayyaf, elements of the
Joint Task Force Sulu engaged in a heavy armed confrontation with members of
the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) Wednesday afternoon in Sulu, Southern Philippines,
military official said.
Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Information Officer
Cpt. Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that the troops of the 2nd Scout Ranger
Battalion encountered the Abu Sayyaf members in Barangay Bud Taran, Indanan.
Heavy skirmishes ensued, resulting in the wounding of a soldier, while ten (10)
other personnel incurred minor splinter injuries while heavy casualties were
reported on the enemy's side. Based on reports coming, however, the Abus
suffered five (5) killed and several wounded.
All the wounded soldiers were promptly evacuated to
Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Hospital and were immediately given medical
attention, Petinglay added.
"The Joint Task Force Sulu continues to
intensify the conduct of offensives against the Abu Sayyaf to neutralize the
bandits and ensure the safe rescue of the remaining hostages. All measures are
being undertaken in accordance with the rules of engagement and with the
support from the local government and the populace,” said Major General Carlito
G. Galvez, Jr., Commander, Western Mindanao Command.
“The Command is right now at an advantage since the
Local Government Unit, the Moro National Liberation Front, the Moro Islamic
Liberation Front, and the traditional leaders are helping the government troops
in fighting terrorism by means of giving information, thus, resulting in the
decisive encounter,” MGen Galvez said.
"Terrorism is a sickening problem that needs
all sectors of society's cooperation for it to be defeated. With the renewed
vigor of those who are against it, we are optimistic that we will be able to
crush the bandits within six months," MGen Galvez added.
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