3 ASG terrorists killed in an encounter with the military in Basilan

PAGADIAN CITY (May 18, 2021) – Three Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf Group members were killed in an encounter with the troops of the Joint Task Force Basilan on May 16, 2021.

“Based on the report from Joint Task Force Commander Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, our troops encountered eight ASG members under ASG Sub-leader Pasil Bayali at Sitio Kura-Kura, Barangay Baiwas, Sumisip, Basilan around 7:40 in the morning, Sunday,” said Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

A firefight ensued which lasted for 30 minutes after which the terrorists withdrew in different directions.

Brig. Gen. Gobway said that reinforcing troops linked-up with the engaged troops and recovered two terrorist cadavers. "We are still verifying the identification of the slain terrorist," Brig. Gen. Gobway said.

*While  the reinforcing  troops were conducting clearing operations in the area, another armed confrontation ensued with the terrorists. The 15-minute exchange of fires resulted in the death of another ASG member and the recovery of one M16 rifle," Brig. Gen. Goway added.

“Due to the persistent offensive operations by our gallant troopers, a total of three terrorist cadavers and one firearm were recovered in the said operations. Our troops are continuously conducting hot pursuit operations against the fleeing ASG members. With the series of engagements, we are certain that most of the terrorists incurred gunshot wounds as evident on the bloodstains in the area. We will find, fix and neutralize the remaining fleeing terrorists” said Brig. Gen. Gobway. 

Meanwhile, the identities of the slain Abu Sayyaf Group members are yet to be verified.

“We are grateful that no soldier was hurt during the successive encounters. We thank the active participation of the local officials and the community of their desire to end terrorism by providing us real time information for the neutralization of the terrorists. Rest assured that we will continue to bolster our operations to keep the communities safe and secured,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

For this year, a total of 18 Abu Sayyaf Group members were neutralized in Basilan, four of whom were killed, 13 surrendered, and one was apprehended. (By JONG CADION with repots and photos from WestMinCom-PIO)

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