Abu slain, high-powered firearms and shabu seized by troops in Basilan

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (July 8, 2017) - In the combat operation launched by the troops of the Joint Task Force Basilan, a member of the Abu Sayaff Group was killed and 2 high-powered firearms were seized in Basilan early Friday (July 7), military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) information officer Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that a heavy gun battle ensued between the elements of the 18th Infantry Battalion and the Abu Sayyaf members led by Nawapi Abdulsaid, a.k.a. Khatan, in Barangay Bohe Pahu, Ungkaya Pukan in the nearby province of Basilan at around 6:45am.

Cpt Petinglay said that two high-powered firearms (1 M79 rifle and 1 carbine rifle), shabu, and some drug paraphernalia were recovered from the area of encounter after the firefight.

 “The troops were conducting reconnaissance in response to the reported presence of Abu Sayyaf members in the area of engagement. Upon sensing the movement of the troops, the bandits initiated the armed confrontation,” said Colonel Juvymax Uy, Commander of the Joint Task Force Basilan.

“The recovered shabu and drug paraphernalia are added evidence that these bandits are using drugs regularly.”

Also recovered from the encounter area was an unidentified body of one of the bandits, Cpt. Petinglay added.

 “It is sad to report that 4 of our soldiers were wounded in this intense firefight with the Abu Sayyaf,” said Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“We will however continue pursuing these bandits who are at the same time drug addicts, until we all get them."

Cpt. Petinglay further said that at 7:25am, responding troops of the 18IB proceeded to the encounter site and extricated the 4 wounded soldiers, who were promptly airlifted to Zamboanga City for immediate medical attention.

As of press time, troops are still on pursuit operation of the fleeing Abu Sayyaf bandits.