3 ASG dead as JTF Sulu intensifies its campaign in the province

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (Nov. 29, 2016)- Three (3) terrorists belonging to the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) were killed in a clash with soldiers in Capual Island, Omar, Sulu, Southern Philippines Monday afternoon, military official said.

Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu Information Officer Col. Rodrigo Gregorio disclosed that operating troops of 11th Scout Ranger Company and Scout Ranger Cl-198 encountered about 30 ASG that lasted for 25 minutes.

Troops recovered the body a slain ASG member. Local residents revealed that ASG carried away 2 cadavers and saw several wounded companion.

Gregorio added that the government troops incurred no casualty and also recovered three (3) pump boats (two (2) Junkung type double engine and one (1) single engine wooden boat) being utilized by the ASG, one (1) garand rifle, ammunition, a solar panel and motor vehicle battery, Improvised Explosive Device (IED) components; and documents. The three pumpboats were turned over to the Naval Task Group Sulu for proper disposition.

Col. Jesus Manangquil, the newly installed commander of Joint Task Force Sulu said, "The successful military operation was a result of the cooperation of the people of Sulu in our campaign against the ASG and their evil deeds". 

"Our soldiers are motivated by a strong public and stakeholders' support and are determined to continue to pursue the ASG until it is destroyed and until all hostages are rescued" Col Mananquil also said.

"We will not stop until the scourge of the ASG will be finally put to a complete stop. We will prevail as we have a reinvigorated cooperation of the people of Sulu who are suffering due to the existence of these barbaric bandits", Col Manangquil concluded.