Abu’s firearms recovered by troops in Sulu

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (July 23, 2017) - Two high-powered firearms and ammunition of the Abu Sayyaf Group were recovered in a clearing operation launched by the military in the nearby province of Sulu Friday (July 21), military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) information officer Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that troops of the 32nd Infantry Battalion under Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Flores were scouring the area of engagement when they recovered an M653 rifle, an M203 Grenade Launcher with one round of 40mm ammunition, medical paraphernalia, a notebook containing cellular phone numbers, and other personal belongings of the bandits in Barangay Anuling, Patikul, Sulu at around 1:20pm on Friday.

"Elements of the Joint Task Force Sulu were pursuing the Abu Sayyaf bandits who are evading the government forces, following a heavy, armed engagement with our soldiers in Patikul area last Thursday,” said Brigadier General CirilitoSobejana, Commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu.

Said firefight yielded to the deaths of two bandits and the recovery of five high-powered firearms of the group. The slain Abu Sayyaf bandits were identified as Benajir Intag and Bassal Mahalli. Pursuit is ongoing as of this press time, said Cpt. Petinglay.

Meanwhile, 1 member of the CAFGU Active Auxiliary, 1 member of the Civilian Volunteers Organization and 3 civilians were reported missing since July 20, 2017 in the nearby province of Basilan, Cpt. Petinglay added.

Cpt Petinglay further said that CAA Samuel A Erasga of Switch Yakal, Lantawan, Basilan, reported at the headquarters of 4th Special Forces Battalion that CAA Roberto Lacastesantos of Switch Yakal Patrol Base under 15SFC, 4SFBn, CVO Renato O Casiple, Mr Rene O Sanson, Mr Hernando Sally and Mr Mertong Falcasantos all residents of Sitio Campo Barn, Brgy Switch Yakal, Lantawan, Basilan Province were missing and were last seen in the vicinity of Rancho Eguana, Sitio Campo Barn, Brgy Switch Yakal, Lantawan, Basilan Province.

Troops of the Joint Task Force Basilan immediately deployed forces to find the missing persons.

"The information we obtained is still very sketchy. We have already deployed soldiers and CAAs in the area where the missing persons were last seen," said Colonel Juvymax Uy, Commander of the Joint Task Force Basilan.

"We will give you updates the soonest we get some development."