Operating troops capture an Abu Sayyaf bandit in Basilan Province

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (July 3, 2017) - An Abu Sayyaf bandit was captured by the operating troops of the Joint Task Force Basilan at dawn on Sunday (July 2) in Brgy Bohe Yawas, Lamitan City in the nearby province of Basilan, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) information officer Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that the soldiers of the 19th Special Forces Company of the 4th Special Forces Battalion led by Cpt Dantog, captured a certain Ismael Gampal, an Abu Sayyaf member operating in the Province. Recovered from Gampal's possession is an M16 rifle and other war materiel including a battle dress uniform and a military back pack.

Cpt. Petinglay said the captured bandit and recovered items were brought at the headquarters of the 19SFC at Brgy Dangcalan, Lamitan City for debriefing prior his turn-over to the Lamitan police.

“Our persistent military operations specifically targeting Abu Sayyaf group resulted to this recent accomplishment,” says Colonel JuvymaxUy, the Commander of the Joint Task Force Basilan.

“We also would like to recognize the help of those who have already surrendered for the precise information they have given so that we can zero-in to specific ASG targets.”

Cpt. Petinglay stressed that as of this report, 262 Abus were already neutralized by the Joint Task Forces of Western Mindanao. Of this number, 97 bandits were killed, 67 were apprehended, and 98 surrendered. A total of 151 firearms of the threat group were recovered by the troops, 131 of which are high-powered and 20 are low-powered.

“I laud the accomplishments of our soldiers as they continue to do their mandate even if we are in our trying times right now,” says Lieutenant General Carlito G Galvez, Jr, Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“I also would like to recognize the continuing support of the local government unit and the people of Basilan, in our fight to contain and eliminate these terror groups."

“We assure the peace-loving Filipino people that your soldiers will be more driven and inspired to take on our mandate to protect and keep safe our communities from terror threat, no matter what it takes,” the WestMinCom Chief adds.