3 Abus killed during clash between soldiers and ASG in Sulu

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (July 11, 2017) - As troops of the Joint Task Force Sulu continue to press-on remaining members of the Abu Sayyaf Group, three Abu Sayyaf local terrorist members were killed in an encounter on Saturday (June 8) in the nearby province of Sulu, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) information officer Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that soldiers of the 21st Infantry Battalion headed by Maj Christopher Genzola, engaged in an hour fierce firefight with heavily armed ASG under Almujer Yaddah at Sitio Darayan at the boundary of Brgy Danag and Brgy Buhanginan, both of Patikul, Sulu at 8:45AM Saturday.

Cpt. Petinglay said that during clearing operations, troops were able to recover 1 unidentified dead body of the enemy from the encounter site.

"Our operating troops were also able to see the bandits dragging two body of their companions who appeared to be already lifeless," says Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, Commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu.

Cpt. Petinglay further said that the troops were acting upon information that were initially taken from the two recovered kidnap victims on Friday (June 7) afternoon in Daang Puti, Patikul, Sulu.

Rocabo and Leones specifically pinpointed the locations of the targetted Abu Sayyaf group who according to the duo, is keeping captive other kidnap victims including some Vietnamese crewmen.

"As we speak, skirmishes are still ongoing as our troops are going after the tracks of the withdrawing bandits," added BGen Sobejana.

"The soldiers are very careful in their movements since it is believed that the Abu Sayyaf group is still carrying with them around 6 to 7 kidnap victims.

"During the course of encounter, 1 soldier died and 15 others were slightly wounded. All WIA were safely evacuated and are already being treated at the Kamp Teofilo Busbos Hospital in Jolo, Sulu, while the body of the dead soldier was brought to the military mortuary in the JTF Sulu headquarters.

"It is with deep sadness to report that 1 of our soldiers succumb to death and 15 others wounded in their persistent effort to rescue the kidnap victims," said BGen Sobejana.

"The family of the fallen soldier will immediately be notified and will receive all compensations due to the family of a hero.

"Forces of the JTF Sulu are in still in the area pursuing the bandits who left several blood stains on their tracks.

"We will continue pressing them on until these terrorists are all neutralized and the KVs rescued," adds BGen Sobejana.