Two (2) more ASG fall in Sulu

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (Oct. 30, 2016) – Two (2) Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members were killed this early morning encounter between soldiers and the bandit group in Indanan, Sulu, Southern Philippines, military official said.

Joint Task Force Sulu (JTF Sulu) Information Officer Col. Rodrigo Gregorio disclosed that upon acting on information from local residents about the presence of armed men, elite troops from the 11th Scout Ranger Company immediately sent a patrol and engaged the bandit group of about eight men at 6:45am in a brief firefight before the ASG scampered away.

Col. Gregorio added that the rangers recovered the body of the still unidentified terrorist together with an M16 assault rifle with M203 grenade launcher attached and one Improvised Explosive Device (IED). Another ASG was killed and was being carried by companions according to revelation of local residents.

This brings to 38 the total number of ASG killed since the intensified combat operations was launched in July while scores were also wounded on the ASG. Soldiers suffered 15 killed in action and 28 wounded in action since July, he said.

Authorities believe that the ASG has splintered into small groups to evade soldiers and are planting IEDs to delay movements of government troops.

Brig. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, commander of Joint Task Force Sulu said the successful pursuit is a "result of the cooperation of the community against the ASG".

Brig. Gen. Dela Vega condemned the use of IED by the ASG saying "IEDs maim and kill individuals regardless whether they are soldiers or civilians and the main losers are the innocent people in the community. The use of IED is not only against the law but it is outrightly evil and un-Islamic."

"The focused military operation will continue until we deal a crippling blow against the ASG and rescue the remaining hostages", Brig. Gen. Dela Vega concluded.