Marine Troops neutralize Basilan-Based Abu

By JONG D. CADION

PAGADIAN CITY CITY (Nov.24, 2018) – The Operating elements of Marine Battalion Landing team 11 under Joint Task Force Zamboanga conducting legitimate military operations in the vicinity off Sitio Logon, Brgy Limaong, Zamboanga City on Friday, Nov 23, 2018 encountered and neutralized ASG member, identified as alias Abu Nibras under basilan-based ASG Subleader Abdullah Indanan, Navy official disclosed.

Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) Commander Rear Admiral Rene V. Medina said that the conduct of military operations was due to the reported sightings of unidentified armed individuals in the area. A firefight which lasted for 10 minutes, immediately ensued when Abu Nibras detected the presence of the Marines, NFWM commander also said.

Medina added that an adult female and a minor was found dead in the encounter site, while three other minors, who sustained wounds were immediately given first aid and transferred to a medical facility for emergency treatment. The adult female and minors are believed to be the wife and children of the neutralized Abu, he said.

Further, representatives from PNP-SOCO and Police Station-1 Brgy Vitali, Zamboanga City that conducted search and investigation at the encounter site found the following: one M16 rifle with 5 short and 4 long magazines all loaded with ammunition, various bomb making components such as Ammonium Nitrate, glass bottles and nails commonly used to create Improvised Explosive devices (IEDs) were also found.

Alias Abu Nibras is one of those wanted by the government and is included in Arrest Order Number 1 released by President Rodrigo Duterte at the onset of the declaration of martial law in the islands of mindanao May of last year.

As the Commander of the Fleet-Marine Team aboard Western Mindanao region, Rear Adm Rene V Medina applauded the troops of MBLT11 under JTF Zamboanga for the rapid response and vigilance in the performance of their duty to ensure the safety and security of Zamboanga City and Western Mindanao as a whole. (With NFWM PR and photo)