Notorious Abu-Sayyaf Group leader captured in Tawi-Tawi

 PAGADIAN CITY (March 22, 2021) – The Operating troops of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi captured a wounded Abu Sayyaf Group leader in Barangay Kalupag Island, Languyan, Tawi-Tawi on Saturday evening, March 20, 2021.

“The troops of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-6 under Lt. Col. Venjie Pendon acted on a report regarding the presence of suspicious fully-armed men in Barangay Kalupag Island.

The troops onboard PS 35 headed by Col. Nestor Narag, Jr., the Deputy Brigade Commander of the 2nd Marine Brigade, the troops proceeded to the area but upon their arrival, the terrorists opened fire,” said Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

A firefight ensued which resulted in the severe wounding of Sulu-based ASG/kidnap-for-ransom group notorious leader Majan Sahidjuan, a.k.a. Apo Mike.

“He was abandoned by his two comrades who fled bringing along the remaining Indonesian kidnap victim with them,” said Lt. Col. Pendon.

A hot pursuit operation is currently being conducted to rescue the KV and apprehend his abductors.

“We executed prompt military action following the receipt of information. We are anticipating reports from the communities that is why we made sure that our assets are at high readiness.

Moreover, the availability of the Philippine Navy surface assets like PS 35 and 3 MPACs was crucial,” said Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, Commander of the JTF Tawi-Tawi.

“We attribute this success to the strengthened collaboration with our partner agencies including 1st SOU, PNP maritime. We also acknowledge the support of the local government units and cooperation of the peace-loving people of Tawi-Tawi,” Brig. Gen. Rojas added.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. urged the people to stay calm and trust in the authorities.

“Rest assured that we will sustain heightened alert and intensify our operations to expedite the rescue of the KV and the arrest of the ASG members,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. (By JONG CADION with reports and photos from WestMinCom-PIO)

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