Gov’t troops captures ASG subleader in Sulu clash

By JONG D. CADION

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (March 31, 2018)  – The troops the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division encountered members of the Abu Sayaff Group in Brgy Taung, Patikul, Sulu, 7:15am today March 31.

Division Public Affairs Office Chief Maj. Ronald E. Suscano said  the operating troops of 32nd Infantry Battalion led by 1LT Primo A. Passion (OS) PA were conducting clearing operation at the vicinity of the said area when they clashed with 5 Abu Sayaff Group (ASG) under Walton Juljirin.

Commanding Officer of the 32IB LTC Ronaldo C. Mateo, INF (GSC) PA, also said that the enemy were reportedly at the house of the 6 wounded ASG Walton when the troops encountered the enemy. The firefight lasted for 5 minutes.

LTC Mateo disclosed that 4 ASG were able to escape from the said firefight while Walton was left behind due to his ill health condition brought about by infected wound incurred during the previous encounter with the government forces which he participated. The said ASG attempted to escape but the troops immediately ran after him, he added.

He said after the firefight, the troops recovered from  the house of ASG member Walton 1 cal 7.62 FN-G1 rifle, 1 magazine with ammunitions, a suspected IED and 2 hand grenades.  No casualties from the government side.

“The cooperation of the civilians who reported the armed group’s presence in their area is a strong manifestation that civilians have long been tired of these ASG’s terroristc activities and now actively helping the military locate them to contribute for the total elimination of all terrorists in the Province of Sulu,” LTC Mateo commented.