KUTA SANG-AN – The Government troops from the 64th
Infantry Battalion and the Special Forces Team 1405, both under the First Infantry
(Tabak) Division, Philippine Army successfully defended 5 times the Candiis Detachment
in Brgy. Upper Cabengbeng, Sumisip, Basilan province from the harassment by
more or less 5 fully armed lawless Abu Sayaff elements.
The series of attacks were perpetrated by Alyas
Commander Butong Aleman at about 9:20 in the morning on Monday, September 17,
2012.
No casualty was reported on the government side. It
can be recalled that said detachment was a former Abu Sayaff lair was harassed by
same group for about five times now for the past three months.
The armed Abu Sayaff elements withdrew towards
unknown directions when Charlie Company of the 64th infantry
battalion timely delivered accurate mortar fires on the bandits in support of
the engaged troops.
Evidently, the rogue elements wanted to regain
possession of the said detachment that will again serve as their observation post
to provide them great tactical advantage in the area against government troops.
Candiis Army detachment was established to
protect the villagers from armed, violent activities and criminalities
perpetrated by the same armed group.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Ricardo Rainier G. Cruz III,
Tabak Commander said the soldiers will continue to perform Bayanihan works in
Sumisip, Basilan by all means until lasting peace is achieved.
“The successful defense of the detachment by our
foot soldiers is a pledge that our army is sincere and not tired in protecting
the mixed Muslim-Christian community against rogue elements in Basilan,” Maj/
General Cruz III said. (With reports by
DPAO)