Two Abus slain amid offensives in Western Mindanao

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (May 26, 2017) - Following the offensives launched by the government forces, two more members of the Abu Sayyaf Group were killed in nearby province of Basilan yesterday (May 25), military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) Information Officer Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that elements of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team 4 of Barangay Guinanta, Albarka, Basilan engaged in a two-hour gun battle with Abu Sayyaf members led by Sarwin Kasaram in Barangay Guinanta at 12:50pm yesterday.

Cpt. Petinglay said that the enemy’s fatalities were identified as Abu Sayyaf members Nasirin Awwalin and Hasmin Lajid.

Meanwhile, three members of the BPAT incurred wounds and were subsequently extricated for medical attention.

Kasaram is a follower of sub-leader Nurhassan Jamiri.

As of this press time, troops of the Joint Task Force Basilan continue to conduct checkpoints to thwart the extrication of the Abu Sayyaf members.

Meanwhile, the offensives launched by the Alpha Company of the 10th Infantry Battalion resulted in a fierce gun battle between the operating troops and the Abu Sayyaf bandits in Barangay Tandu Bagua, Patikul, Sulu at 5:30am yesterday (May 25), Cpt. Petinglay added.

"The troops were acting on reported sightings of the Abu Sayyaf bandits and their kidnap victims in the area of engagement. In an attempt to rescue the hostages, our troops on the ground engaged the Abu Sayyaf members,” said Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, Commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu.

Said armed confrontation lasted for 20 minutes, after which the Abu Sayyaf bandits fled, bringing with them their casualties. Elements of the 501st Brigade immediately reinforced the engaged troops. Blockade and mortar support were further delivered.

A soldier died and 10 other personnel sustained wounds and were promptly extricated for medical treatment at the Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Hospital in Barangay Busbus, Jolo, Sulu.

We have yet to disclose the names of our casualties pending notification to their next of kin, said Cpt. Petinglay.

"We are sad to report that one of our soldiers died during the encounter this morning in the attempt to rescue kidnap victims who are in the hands of Abu Sayyaf," says Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Commander, Western Mindanao Command.

"We will continue to conduct pursuit and rescue operations in order to track and get these bandits the soonest,” he adds.