Troops encounter Abus amid intensified operations in Sulu

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (March 3, 2017) - Amid the intensified conduct of focused military operations to rescue the kidnapped victims of the Abu Sayyaf, elements of the Joint Task Force Sulu engaged in a heavy armed confrontation with members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) Wednesday afternoon in Sulu, Southern Philippines, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Information Officer Cpt. Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that the troops of the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion encountered the Abu Sayyaf members in Barangay Bud Taran, Indanan. Heavy skirmishes ensued, resulting in the wounding of a soldier, while ten (10) other personnel incurred minor splinter injuries while heavy casualties were reported on the enemy's side. Based on reports coming, however, the Abus suffered five (5) killed and several wounded.

All the wounded soldiers were promptly evacuated to Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Hospital and were immediately given medical attention, Petinglay added.

"The Joint Task Force Sulu continues to intensify the conduct of offensives against the Abu Sayyaf to neutralize the bandits and ensure the safe rescue of the remaining hostages. All measures are being undertaken in accordance with the rules of engagement and with the support from the local government and the populace,” said Major General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Commander, Western Mindanao Command.

“The Command is right now at an advantage since the Local Government Unit, the Moro National Liberation Front, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and the traditional leaders are helping the government troops in fighting terrorism by means of giving information, thus, resulting in the decisive encounter,” MGen Galvez said.

"Terrorism is a sickening problem that needs all sectors of society's cooperation for it to be defeated. With the renewed vigor of those who are against it, we are optimistic that we will be able to crush the bandits within six months," MGen Galvez added.