Troops pursue Abus after clash in Sulu

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (February 22, 2017)- Elements of the Joint Task Force Sulu (JTF Sulu) engaged in an armed confrontation with members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Indanan, Sulu yesterday morning, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Information Officer Cpt. Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that soldiers of the 69th Infantry Battalion, 7th Infantry Division under the JTF Sulu were conducting focused military operations when they encountered an estimated 20 Abu Sayyaf members under AldinBagadi of the ASG Indanan Base in BrgyPaligi, Indanan, Sulu.

Petinglay added that after the 10 minute firefight, the Abu Sayyaf members fled, bringing with them their fatalities and their wounded members  while troops immediately conducted pursuit on the evading bandits. One of the soldiers was slightly wounded and was immediately evacuated to the nearest medical facility.

"Our troops are currently on the ground to pin down the Abu Sayyaf who are on the run and are evading military forces,” said Major General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Commander, Western Mindanao Command. "It is obvious that the corridors of the bandits have already been constricted due to their inability to hide in populated areas after the locals themselves resisted their presence within the communities", MGen Galvez added.

As of press time, the troops of the Joint Task Force Sulu continues to intensify the conduct of focused military operations to contain the ASG and to possibly rescue the hostages in Sulu.