Vessel loaded with 10M worth of smuggled cigarettes intercepted by gov’t forces

 PAGADIAN CITY (March 30, 2021) - A vessel loaded with more or less 200 boxes of assorted smuggled cigarettes was intercepted by the military in Sulu on Sunday evening, March 28, 2021.

Acting on an information of a suspected smuggling activity, troops of the Naval Task Group Sulu and Naval Task Force 61 conducted a maritime interdiction operation in waters off Sentil Pier, Kiput, Saimbangon, Pata Island, Sulu,” Western Mindanao Command Chief  Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr said.

Upon arrival at the vicinity, operating troops noticed several motor bancas sailing to and from Lagasan, Maimbong, Sulu.

To confirm the veracity of the information, our Navy Seals and Marine Special Forces conducted Visit Board Search and Seizure Operations to M/V Hana, which resulted in the apprehension of its nine crew members, all of whom are Filipinos, Commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao Rear Admiral Toribio Adaci, Jr. also said.

Troops seized more or less 200 boxes of undocumented “Berlin” and “Fort” cigarettes with an estimated market value amounting to 10M pesos.

According to the vessel's captain, the cigarettes were supposed to be transported to Palawan. He further said that there were more than 200 boxes of contrabands but they unloaded some at sea when they noticed the approaching military vessel.

Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. said the military will continue to intensify its operations to curb the illegal activities in the WestMinCom’s area of operation

The apprehended personalities and confiscated cigarettes were ferried to the Bureau of Customs Office in Zamboanga City for proper filling of the case. (By JONG CADION with reports and photos from WestMinCom-PIO)

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Firearms Seized from apprehended ASG supporter and Criminal Gang member in Zamboanga City

 By JONG D. CADION

PAGADIAN CITY (March 30, 2021) -  Firearms Seized from apprehended member of Ajijul Criminal Gang under Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) Sub Leader Marzan Ajijul by joint AFP-PNP personnel in Muti, Zamboanga City on Monday morning, March 29, 2021.

During the conduct of joint law enforcement operation, troops of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-11 and 74th Infantry Battalion, both under the Joint Task Force Zamboanga, together with the personnel from the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-9 apprehended the accused identified as a  certain Merham Tulawi Nasalun, 22 years old, married, and a resident of Sitio Niyog-Niyog, Barangay Muti, Zamboanga City, Western Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr  said 

Nasalun, a known ASG supporter, was apprehended by virtue of a search warrant issued on March 26, 2021 by RTC 9, 9th Judicial Region, Branch 15 in Zamboanga City for violation of RA 10591, an Act providing for Comprehensive Law on Firearms and ammunition and providing penalties thereof.

According to Col. Randolph Rojas, Commander of the Joint Task Force Zamboanga, the operating troops were able to recover on the apprehended personality’s possession one caliber 45 pistol with magazine and seven rounds of live ammunition, one short magazine for M16 with 17 rounds of 5.56 live ammunition, and one blue bag with several identification cards. 

Col. Rojas further stated that the successful operation is a result of the intense intelligence build-up operations conducted by the MBLT-11 and the strengthened interagency collaboration between the PNP and the JTF Zamboanga. 

The apprehended personality was brought to CIDG Regional Field Unit-9 for documentation and proper disposition.

“My congratulations to the military and police troops for the relentless operations to prevent lawless armed elements from creating havoc in the communities,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

“Rest assured that the Western Mindanao Command together with other law enforcement agencies will never cease to employ aggressive measures to neutralize the terrorists, their supporters, and other lawless elements in the region,” the WestMinCom commander added. (With reports and photos from WestMinCom-PIO and PRO9-PIO)

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Government forces campaign against terrorism in central Mindanao continues

 PAGADIAN CITT(March 28, 2021) - Pursuit operations launched by the government forces are ongoing to thwart the terror plots of the threat groups in central Mindanao.

“While conducting clearing operations, personnel of the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion discovered the abandoned lair of the Daulah Islamiyah-Hassan Group in Barangay

 Saniag, Ampatuan, Maguindanao on the morning of March 26, 2021,” said Western Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr.

“It was 100 meters away from the previous encounter site and was probably abandoned during the bomb run conducted by the troops of the Joint Task Force Central on Thursday, March 25,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. added.

According to 1SRB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Raymond Rapi, the said hideout has eight makeshift huts and a half-sized basketball court.

While scouring the area, operating troops seized three IED charge (1-1/8kg and 2-1/4 kg), eight blasting caps, seven 9V battery, one 12V battery, twelve IED switch (pressurized type), multiple electric wire, three solar panels (1-100wts, 1-150wts, and 1-25wts), one power supply inverter, three Baofeng commercial radio (unserviceable), one analog cellular phone, two smart cellular phones, one optic red dot (unserviceable), one binocular (damaged), forty kilos of rice, one dextrose, three upper uniforms (black and white), one lower uniform (black and white), one upper MILF uniform, one motorcycle (severely damaged), three hammoc assorted enemy belongings and assorted foodstuff.

‘Our troops continue to scour the area and pursue the enemies,” said Brig. Gen. Roy Galido, Commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade.

Meanwhile, at past 3 p.m. of March 26, combined elements of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion and 32nd Explosive Ordnance Division conducted a focused military operatio in Barangay Salman of the same municipality which resulted in the recovery of one pull tension tripwire type IED with the following components: one blasting cap, one 9 volts battery,

 one empty bottle used as the container of the main charge, and pull tension tripwire type switch.

“The IED was placed under the custody of the EOD team for proper disposition,” said Lt. Col. Cresencio Sanchez, Jr., Commanding Officer of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion.

The Joint Task Force Central continued to bolster its offensives by deploying supplemental troops to conduct focused military operations in the different municipalities of Maguindanao.

According to 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade Commander Col. Pedro Balisi, the troops of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion conducted a focused military operation in Sitio Bagorot Tuayan, Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao at around 8 a.m., March 27 

This resulted in the recovery of two IEDs in the area. “We immediately coordinated with the 33rd and 32nd EOD teams for the proper handling of the IEDs,” said Col. Omar Orozco, Commanding Officer of the 2Mech Bn 

Each IED was composed of one cartridge, 81mm high explosive; one Improvised Blasting Cap; one 9 volts battery; one Battery Clip; one Emylo as Frequency Receiver Expenditure; two time fuses; and one Bowl Disruptor.

The EOD teams immediately disrupted the recovered IEDs for everyone’s safety.

Also, combined elements of the 1st Mechanized and 33rd Infantry Battalions conducted a separate operation in Barangay Salman, Ampatuan at around 10 a.m., the same day which resulted in the recovery of another IED.

Operating troops immediately cordoned the area and secured the IED. While troops continue to scour the area, they recovered one grenade launcher on the morning of March 28 

Clearing and pursuit operations are continuously being conducted.

Since the start of the intensified operations on March 25, the troops of the Joint Task Force Central were able to overrun two enemy strongholds and recover nine IEDs and several IED components.

“We are exhausting all available assets to neutralize the terrorists who are responsible for the conduct of atrocities in central Mindanao,” said Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Commander of the Joint Task Force Central. 

With all these accomplishments, Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. extended his appreciation to the peace-loving people of Maguindanao who continue to provide vital information to the armed forces. 

“The involvement of the civilians is very important in our security efforts. Rest assured, your soldiers will remain steadfast in keeping every community safe and in thwarting the hostile plans of the terrorists,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. stated. (By JONG CADION with reports and photos from WestMinCom-PIO) 

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Ground Breaking of P18-million Communal Irrigation System Sub-Project in Tamparan, Lanao del Sur

 

TAMPARAN, Lanao del Sur (March 25, 2021)– The Ground Breaking Ceremony was finally conducted for the rehabilitation of Php18-mllion Bangon and Lumbacaingud South Communal Irrigation System Sub-Project in the municipality of Tamparan, Lanao del Sur on Tuesday, March 9, 2021.

DENR-X Regional Director Arliegh J. Adorable said the project is worth Php18-million under the Integrated Natural Resources Management Projects (INRMP) composed of four major river basins nationwide, these are The Chico River basin in Luzon, Visayas, Inabanga River in Bohol and two in Mindanao the  Upper River Basin in Bukidnon and Lake Lanao River basin.

The INRMP project is a soft loan counter parting scheme funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) with 88 percent from the ADB and 18 percent from the LGU of Tamparan municipality, RD Adorable explained.

This Communal Irrigation System project in Tamparan will be supplying water to more than 100 hectares of irrigated rice field, DENR-X RD Adorable added.  

Tamparan Mayor Juhar Disomimba expressed his heartfelt gratitude especially to Allah for the final implementation of the rehabilitation of Communal Irrigation System project that will benefit thousands of farmers not only in his municipality but also including the neighbouring municipalities.

The Communal Irrigation System project will increase the yield of the farmland and will alleviate the livelihood of every farmers in our municipality, Mayor Disomimba said.

Tamparan Mayor also recognized the effort of officials from the different government and private agencies responsible in realization of the project and requested farmer beneficiaries to take good care of the project that will also benefit the future generations.

This project was initiated by the former Mayor, his father Sultan Topaan Disomimba. But due to lack of funds it was not maintained properly, Mayor Disomimba recalled. At this moment, once again my heartfelt gratitude to everybody especially to Allah because our collaborative effort from the different concern agencies we have now in the realization of our dreams, Tamparan Mayor concluded. (By JONG CAION with reports and photos by Ric Clet and Mariz Revales)

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Blessing of 1st batch of P300-M heavy Equipment’s arrives in the province

By JONG CADION

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (March 26, 2021) – Provincial Information Officer Jesrel Himang said the provincial government headed by Governor Victor J. Yu expressed his heartfelt thanks especially to our Heavenly Father for the guidance and blessings in his administration following the arrival of the first batch of P300-million heavy equipment in the province Thursday, March 25, 2021.

Himang also said Governor Yu acknowledged his co-workers in the PLGU, “This is not only my accomplishment but through our concerted efforts and cooperation especially from our provincial board members for allowing him to acquire this brand news equipment to speed-up the development of our province of Zamboanga del Sur as soon as possible by connecting from farm to the market roads, from the barangays to other barangays and to the different municipalities in the province,” the good and workaholic Governor explained.    

The Information Officer disclosed  that during the blessing ceremony of brand-new heavy equipment conducted Infront of Provincial Capitol building, Gov. Yu said this is the first batch of delivery of P300-million heavy equipment purchased by the provincial government under his administration to boost the mobility in the implementation of our infrastructure projects in the province.

The blessing ceremony was also attended by Vice Governor Roy Ariosa, members pf the Provincial Board and the Department Heads of the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU), Himand added.

The equipment composed of the following; 4 Backhoe, 10 Ten- wheeler Dump-Truck, 2 Grader and 10 Bongo truck for the recipient barangays, Engr. Antonio Laurenciana, provincial engineer also said. 

 The 2nd batch of heavy equipment will be expected to arrive in the second week to April this year, Gov. Yu added.

The said equipment will be distributed to the different barangays and municipalities in the province for them to used for free to fast-truck their project provided that they will shoulder the fuel as their counterpart from their LGU 20 percent development fund. Governor Yu also explained.

Llast year 2020, the same amount of brand new heavy equipment was acquired by the provincial government, Himang recalled. (With PPB Photos)

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Joint Task Force Central intensifies offensives against terrorists

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (March 25, 2021)  - The Joint Task Force Central under the Western Mindanao Command mounted its offensives against the Daulah Islamiyah-Hassan Group (DI-HG) in  the neighboring province of Maguindanao.

Western Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. disclosed that the Joint Task Force Central acted on reports received from the communities, and utilized air and artillery assets to bombard the terrorist group at its identified stronghold in Barangay Saniag, Ampatuan, Maguindanao in the wee hours of March 25, 2021.

Ground troops were also deployed to conduct focused military operations to foil the terror plots of the said group, Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. added.

At around 10:30 Thursday morning, the same day, troops of the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion discovered three newly-abandoned enemy lairs with foxholes in the said barangay.

According to 1SRB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Raymond Rapi, the said lairs believed to be the enemy advance post and improvised explosive device (IED)-making area were vacated during the bomb run.

“Our operating troops recovered three IEDs, IED components, one analog cellular phone, and personal belongings in the area,” said Lt. Col. Rapi.

While troops continued to clear the area, they encountered an undetermined number of DI-HG led by Salahuddin Hassan, a.k.a. Abu Saif/Orak/Abu Salman in the same barangay at 11:20 in the morning 

The said firefight that lasted for about 10 minutes resulted in the death of one enemy and the wounding of a.k.a. Wari/Watrix and several others, as evident in the bloodstains in the area. A soldier was also slightly wounded during the encounter.

601st Infantry Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Roy Galido said, he directed supplemental troops to establish blockade and pursue the fleeing enemies.

Armed confrontation also ensued between the military troops and the terrorists in Barangay Salman of the same municipality at around 12:29 p.m., the same day which resulted in the death of three more DI-HG members.

A total of four DI-HG members died in the series of operations whose remains were recovered by the troops while several others were believed to be severely wounded.

“We will continue to bolster our offensives to pound down the fleeing enemies and penetrate their strongholds,” said Joint Task Force Central Commander Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy.

Meanwhile, in a separate operation, troops of the 40th Infantry Battalion recovered two unassembled IEDs in Barangay Salman at 8:00 a.m., March 24. Troops immediately secured the area and disposed of the said IEDs 

Likewise, the troops of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion discovered another IED, a pressure type one, in the same barangay at around 8:50 in the morning, March 25.

Troops immediately coordinated with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team for the proper handling and disposal of the said IED.

Overall, the operating troops from the different army units recovered a total of six IEDs in two days 

“Congratulations to the troops of the Joint Task Force Central led by Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy for these laudable accomplishments,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

The commander also expressed his full support to the bolstered offensives launched by the military in central Mindanao and committed to employ all available assets to crush the terror groups and ensure the safety of the people. (By JONG CADION with reports and photos from WestMinCom-PIO)

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Gov’t forces facilitate the surrender of a defunct guerilla front member

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (March 25, 2021) - A member of the Communist Terrorist Group’s defunct Guerilla Front Kara submitted himself to the government forces in San Miguel, Zamboanga del Sur on Tuesday, March 23, 2021.

Based on the report from the ground, the surrendered personality transferred to the Mobile Regional Guerilla Unit, Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee sometime in 2015, Western Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. said.

Fearing for his life, he decided to lie low in 2016 and eventually worked as a farmer in San Miguel, Zamboanga Del Sur from then on.

To start living in genuine peace again, he submitted himself to the combined AFP and PNP troops around 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. added.

According to 102nd Infantry Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, the successful surrender of the CTG member was made possible through the concerted efforts of the 53rd Infantry Battalion, Zamboanga del Sur 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, San Miguel Municipal Police Station, Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Police Office, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9, and the AFP-PNP intelligence units.

The surrendered personality pledged to support the government’s campaign to end the local communist armed conflict (ELCAC).

As he pledges his honest desire to support our campaign against terrorism and insurgency, we also guarantee to provide him with livelihood assistance that will aid in his reintegration into the mainstream society, Joint Task Force ZamPeLan Commander Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio said.

Since January 2021, a total of 42 communist terrorists returned to the folds of the law in western and central Mindanao. (By JONG CADION with reports and photos from WestMinCom-PIO)

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Vietnamese Vessel impounded for illegal fishing in Phil. waters

 PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (March 25, 2021) - A Vietnamese Vessel was caught while fishing illegally in the Philippine territory on Tuesday, March 23, 2021.

While the combined elements of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-6 and Turtle Island Municipal Police Station were conducting a maritime security patrol in the seawaters off Bakungan Island, Tawi-Tawi when they spotted a foreign-flagged vessel fishing within the Philippine territory, Western Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. said.

According to Lt. Col. Venjie Pendon, Commanding Officer of the MBLT-6, the patrol team approached the vessel and confirmed that it has no clearance from the concerned government agencies to enter the Philippine waters.

The vessel was boarded by seven crew identified as Hunya Van Day (Boat Captain), Cao Van Mih, Lam Tang Hung, Huyuh Tuan Anh, Huyuh Van Cuong, Nguyen Ngoc Hoa, and Vo Van Taun. They were subsequently brought to Turtle Island Municipal Police Station for documentation.

“I commend our marine troops and our partners from the police for your relentless efforts to secure our borders and protect our natural resources,” said Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, Commander of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi.

Rear Admiral Toribio Adaci, Jr., Commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao assured that the Fleet-Marine Forces of the Philippine Navy in this part of the region will continue to support other law enforcement agencies in maintaining security and order in the maritime domain.

On Wednesday evening, March 24, the impounded vessel with its crew was turned over to the PNP Maritime Group in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi for proper disposition. 

“The Philippine Navy and Philippine Marines intensify the conduct of maritime patrol to thwart illegal fishing activities in the Philippine waters and protect the intruders from becoming victims of abduction and other sea crimes,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. (By JONG CADION with reports and photos from WestMinCom-PIO)

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JTF Tawi-Tawi spearheads a joint relief operation

 PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (March 25, 2021) - The Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi spearheaded a joint relief operation in Languyan, Tawi-Tawi on Wednesday, March 24, 2021.

“To wrap up the successful rescue and hot pursuit operations that resulted in the rescue of the last four kidnap victims and the neutralization of Abu Sayyaf Kidnap-for-Ransom Group leader Apo Mike and his four followers, the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi together with the PNP Provincial Police Office and the provincial government of Tawi-Tawi conducted a joint relief operation in Kalupag Island, municipality of Languyan.,” Western Mindanao Command Chie Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. said

The said activity benefitted the residents who were temporarily displaced during the week-long operation in the said island barangay.

“It is part of our post combat operations done to ease the traumatic experience of the peace-loving people of Kalupag,” Marine Battalion Landing Team-6 Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Venjie Pendon also said.

More or less 90 beneficiaries received food packs and canned goods while a total of 200 children received toys.

“This is our way to express our gratitude to the people of Kalupag who wholeheartedly supported us in accomplishing our mission,” Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi Commander Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas said.

“I also would like to commend our marine troops, the personnel from the Naval Task Group Tawi-Tawi, PNP, and the local government officials of Languyan for the outstanding interagency collaboration. Let us continue to be catalysts for change,” Brig. Gen. Rojas added.

“Let us continue to work together to protect the nation’s interest,” Brig. Gen. Rojas concluded.

The rescue of the Indon KVs and the neutralization of Apo Mike and his followers are among the remarkable accomplishments of the military units under the command and control of the Western Mindanao Command for the first quarter of 2021.

“These laudable feats are attributable to the effective implementation of the whole-of-nation approach in our area of operation,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr 

“Truly that if we work as one, we win as one,” the commander added. (By JONG CADION with reports and photos from WestMinCom-PIO)

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Navy facilitates transport of COVID-19 vaccines to far-flung island in Tawi-Tawi

 PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (March 25, 2021) - The Philippine Navy’s PS-19 facilitated the transport of the COVID-19 vaccines and medical team to Mapun Island, Tawi-Tawi on Saturday, March 20, 2021.

“The Western Mindanao Command through the Naval Forces Western Mindanao and the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi successfully transported the Sinovac and Astrazeneca vaccines to Mapun Island that benefitted more or less 200 healthcare workers in the municipalities of Mapun and Turtle Islands,” Western Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr disclosed.

The vaccines were administered by the medical team from the Integrated Provincial Health Office of Tawi-Tawi headed by Dr. Sangkula Laja at the District Hospital of Cagayan de Tawi-Tawi in Barangay Lupa Pila, Mapun.

“We are happy to be of service to the people especially during this crucial time when we are all battling against an invisible foe, the Coronavirus, which has claimed lives and afflicted many,” Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi Commander Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas said.

Additionally, personnel of the Department of Social Welfare and Development also embarked the navy vessel on the same voyage to distribute 4Ps grants and deliver other essential government services and supplies to the indigent people.

“The Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) is taking the lead in transporting the vaccines to the far-flung municipalities and provinces to ensure its timely delivery and inoculation,” NFWM Commander Rear Admiral Toribio Adaci, Jr also said.

Mapun Island and Turtle Islands are located at the Philippine border near Sabah. (By JONG CADION with reports and photos from WestMinCom-PIO)

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Two abus neutralized in a pursuit operation in Tawi-Tawi

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (March 25, 2021) - The two remaining Abu Sayyaf Group members who escorted their kidnap victims to Tawi-Tawi were neutralized by the military on Tuesday afternoon, March 23, 2021.

According to Western Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., the troops of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi conducted a pursuit operation to apprehend the two remaining followers of the late Apo Mike who fled during the rescue operation on Sunday morning.

“Based on the report, the troops of JTF Tawi-Tawi received information of the enemy sightings still in Barangay Kalupag Island, Languyan, Tawi-Tawi so a pursuit operation headed by Col. Nestor Narag, Jr., Deputy Commander of the 2nd Marine Brigade, was immediately conducted,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

Col. Narag, Jr. narrated, “While we were moving towards their location, they open fired so we retaliated. A short encounter ensued which resulted in the instantaneous death of the two Abu Sayyaf/Kidnap-for-Ransom Group members know by their aliases as Long and Darus".

While scouring the clash site, the operating troops recovered the cadavers of the two slain ASG members and one M16 rifle.

The continuous focused military operations began on Friday following the rescue of the three Indonesian kidnap victims and the apprehension of two ASG members on Thursday.

On Saturday evening, combined AFP and PNP were able to neutralize the leader of the group known as Apo Mike while the two managed to escape. While conducting a hot pursuit operation, the combined troops were able to rescue the last kidnap victim in captivity on Sunday morning and they continued to pursue the remaining terrorists.

“We intensified our focused military operations and intelligence monitoring to track down these two hence their neutralization,” said Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, Commander of the JTF Tawi-Tawi.

“This is by far, one of the most fulfilling accomplishments that I attained in my years of service as a military officer, and I would like to share this victory to the men and women of JTF Tawi-Tawi and the peace-loving people of this province,” Brig. Gen. Rojas added.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. lauded the troops of JTF Tawi-Tawi for the successful rescue of the four remaining hostages and the neutralization of Apo Mike and his followers.

“We also have to give due recognition to the support of the local government officials, our partners from the PNP, and community who directed our troops to the terrorists’ location,” the commander added 

“This exemplifies that peace is truly a shared responsibility,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. concluded. (By JONG CADION with reports and photos from WestMinCom-PIO)

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