Abus abducts a Soldier in Sulu

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (April 21, 2017) - In the height of military operations, an MNLF integree who was working for peace and progress in Sulu was abducted by the Abu Sayyaf yesterday, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) Information Officer Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that Staff Sergeant Anni Siraji of the 32nd Infantry Battalion (32IB) under the Joint Task Force Sulu was forcibly taken by about seven (7) persons at 9:30 AM yesterday while he was on the road heading to Igasan, Patikul, in the nearby province of Sulu.

Cpt. Petinglay said that the perpetrators were believed to be members of the Abu Sayyaf group of still unknown Commander.

Cpt. Petinglay said that upon receipt of the information, Commanding Officer of the 32IB directed one (1) Platoon from the unit to conduct pursuit at the general area where the abductors fled. Further, all operating troops were alerted and tasked to conduct pursuit and blocking operations within the immediate vicinity.

"The recent abduction incident involving our soldier should not be a reason for us to back out but should further motivate us to continue our relentless and sustained focus military operations against the ASG and the rescue of all kidnap victims," said Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, Commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu.

Patikul Municipality is one of the main target areas of the military offensives for three (3) months now, as it was reported to be a known stronghold of the bandits, Cpt. Petinglay added.

"It is frustrating that a Tausug soldier who wants a peaceful community and is working for it really hard so that an influx of progress will come in his home Province, will have to be a victim of the bandits. Obviously, the Abu Sayyaf can victimize anyone, even someone from their own tribe," the Western Mindanao Command Chief Lieutenant General Carlito G Galvez, Jr said.

"Therefore, we are calling on all the people of Sulu to join us in this fight. I firmly believe that as long as we are together on this, we will be able to disallow these bandits to continue creating havoc and fear to everyone," added LtGen. Galvez.

"For now, we will continue to hunt the perpetrators and the rest of the Abu Sayyaf. We will not stop until we get our soldier back to his family," the WestMinCom Chief said.