Abu slain, 34 more linked to drugs nabbed by government troops in Sulu

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (April 20, 2017) - A member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) linked to a drug syndicate, was killed in the joint operation of the military and police in the nearby province of Sulu at dawn yesterday, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) Information Officer Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that at 4:00am a fierce gun battle ensued between the Abu Sayyaf bandits and the government forces, composed of the 45th Infantry Battalion under Lieutenant Colonel Salvador and police personnel, after the bandits, who are reportedly involved in drug operations, resisted arrest in Barangay Danag, Patikul, Sulu.

Cpt. Petinglay said that the said law enforcement operation yielded to the death of Abu Sayyaf member Jah, who is a follower of Hairulla Asbang. His cadaver was retrieved by the troops in the area of engagement after the clearing operations.

Further seized by the government forces were an M16 rifle, three (3) Caliber .45 Pistols, five (5) hand grenades, and drug paraphernalia.

Cpt. Petinglay said that thirty four (34) persons, including a female, who were present in the engagement area will be investigated for possible involvement in the drug operations and in any lawlessness.

The apprehended persons and seized items were subsequently brought to the Sulu Provincial Police Office for investigation and documentation.

"This development can somehow prove that the Abu Sayyaf bandits involved themselves in drug trade to sustain their operations against the government and the conduct of their terror attacks, and they may have been funded by drug syndicates who support their schemes,” said Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

"Rest assured that your armed forces will continue to conduct combat operations against the terrorist group and work with the local government and other law enforcement agencies in the fight against the proliferation of illegal drugs in this side of the country.”

Meanwhile, a soldier incurred minor wounds and was immediately extricated by the responding troops to the Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Hospital in Busbus, Jolo, Sulu for medical attention. He is already in a stable condition as of this report, Cpt. Petinglay added.  

Cpt. Petinglay said that last April 14 at 2:45am, Abu Sayyaf member Samla Halil, a follower of sub-leader Alden Bagade, was nabbed by elements of the Marine Special Operation Group (MARSOG) and the 52nd Special Action Force in Barangay Tulay, Jolo, Sulu.

Recovered from his possession were an M203 .40mm HEDP ammunition, two (2) M16 magazines, and three (3) Caliber .45 magazines.

Cpt. Petinglay further added that last April 15 at 10:30am elements of the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion and the Civilian Active Auxiliary (CAA) of the 1st Special Forces Company recovered a 7.62mm single shot rifle, a shotgun, BDA uniform, assorted ammunition, and an ICOM radio belonging to the Abu Sayyaf in Barangay Abong Abong, Maluso, Basilan.

Cpt. Petinglay said that on that same day at 3:45pm, troops of the 68th Infantry Battalion, under the Joint Task Force Basilan also seized an Abu Sayyaf camp with 38 bunkers and three (3) guard posts in Barangay Cabcaban, Sumisip, Basilan.

On Tuesday (April 18) at 9:45 am, troops of the 15th Special Forces Company were also able to find an arms cache along the mangrove area of Langas Island, Maloso, Basilan Province. Wrapped in a sack were one (1) M16 Rifle with one (1) magazine and one (1) M1 Garand with one (1) clip and a bandolier.

As per verification with civilians, they were able to see earlier two persons bringing along with them the "sack". One of the two person's arm was accordingly wrapped with a bandage. It is believed that the persons were among the wounded followers of ASG sub-leader Furuji Indama, who was wounded after the armed engagement between the government forces and the group in BrgyCabcaban, Sumisip, Basilan last April 11.

"We will continue to gain grounds in the previous lairs and bailiwicks of the Abu Sayyaf. We will be more aggressively implementing both our lethal and non-lethal operations against them especially that we now have evidence that the bandits are also engage in the illegal drug trade," added LtGen. Galvez.