Ten (10) ASG members killed as troops strike

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (November 18, 2016) – Heavy gunfire ensued between operating troops of the 35th Infantry Battalion under the Joint Task Force Sulu and members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) as the military continues to intensify the conduct of focused military operations at Sitio Dyundangan, Brgy Buhanginan, Patikul, Sulu, Southern Philippines, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Spokesperson Maj. Filemon I. Tan Jr. disclosed that the troops from 35IB led by MAJ SADDAMA encountered more or less 150 fully armed ASG led by ASG Leader Radullan Sahiron. Firefight lasted for almost 45 minutes wherein the enemy withdrew.

Tan said that the troops had four (4) killed and nine (9) wounded in action, while the ASG suffered ten (10) Killed (3 Body Counts) and undetermined wounded based on ground units and intelligence reports.

Immediately, indirect fire support were delivered by 105mm Howitzers while other units conducted pursuit and blocking operations. JTF SULU is facilitating Casualty Evacuation and directed S76 air ambulance to conduct CASEVAC from Sulu to Camp Navarro General Hospital in Zamboanga City. All units were directed to establish checkpoints in their respective areas, he added.

Despite the casualties incurred, the military continues to conduct combat operations against the ASG to destroy the bandits, rescue the kidnap victims and deter terror attacks perpetrated by the bandit group in the province of Sulu and possibly in other provinces as well.