Abu’s spotter slain in Tawi-Tawi operation

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (February 22, 2017) - A member of the Kidnap for Ransom Group(KFRG) and spotter of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) was slain at 2:00pm Sunday in a joint law enforcement operation launched by the military, police, and coast guard in Tawi-Tawi, Southern Philippines, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Information Officer Cpt. Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that the KFRG member Al Abdullah was killed in a fire fight with Government forces who were conducting maritime security patrol off the waters of Bakungan, Turtle Island in Tawi-Tawi.

Reports from the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi disclosed that the troops were acting upon reports on the presence of armed KFRG members in the area and invited Abdullah for questioning. Upon verification, Abdullah admitted that he is the owner of the house where the armed men stayed and was among the reported armed men sighted at the said place.  He further disclosed that the names of his companions are Absar, MusubBaudin, and Man Baudi.

At 5pm of the same day, Abdullah asked permission to go home and was allowed by the government troops. However, the subject returned armed with an M16 Rifle and fired towardsthe operating troops. A fire fight then ensued that resultedto the death of Abdulla.

Recovered by the troops were an M16 rifle and several ammunitions found in the possession of Abdullah. His remains were turned-over by the troops to his family.

“This is a big setback on the Abu Sayyaf Group as we continue to intensify the conduct of law enforcement operations along with the police and maximize intel monitoring to pre-empt kidnappings within our joint area of operations,” said Major General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Commander, Western Mindanao Command. 

“Then again, it is proven that the direct involvement of the communities would put up pressure on the ASGs and constrict their movements. This will further help stop the group from creating havoc in the Province,” he added.