Government forces neutralize Abu sub-leader, 3 members in Sulu

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (June 13, 2021) - A notorious Abu Sayyaf Group sub-leader and three of his followers were neutralized in a law enforcement operation in Sulu.

“Based on the report from the ground, combined elements of the military and police conducted a law enforcement operation to serve a warrant of arrest against ASG sub-group leader Injam Yadah in Barangay Alat, Jolo, Sulu around 2 a.m. Sunday, June 13, 2021,” said Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander, Western Mindanao Command.

Sensing the presence of the operating troops, the target and three of his cohorts opened fire thereby prompting the government forces to retaliate.

The exchange of fires resulted in the instantaneous death of Yadah and three others.

"We've long been on the hunt for Yadah, he has a reputation of being extremely violent - beheading captured innocent civilians and security forces alike. Finally, his hideous acts will now come to a full stop," said Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, Commander, Joint Task Force Sulu.

Two of the neutralized cohorts of Yadah were identified as Al-Al Sawadjaan, the youngest brother of infamous bomber Mundi Sawadjaan, and a.k.a. Rauf/Raup while the other one is yet to be identified.

According to 35th Infantry Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Wilfredo Borgonia, Yadah was involved in the kidnapping of various foreign nationals and locals including the ex-wife and daughter of former Talipao Mayor Tambrin Tulawie in 2018. His latest activity reported was the kidnapping of Rex Triplett in Sirawai, Zamboanga Sibugay and, Dr. Moreno in Jolo in 2020. He was also involved in the abduction of the recently rescued Indonesian Nationals.

Lt. Col. Borgonia further stated that Mundi’s brother Al-Al Sawadjaan was a volunteer suicide bomber and Improvised Explosive Device maker.

Operating troops seized in the house of Yadah one M653 Carbine, one cal. 45 pistol, IED components, and 15 mobile phones. Troops also captured Yadah’s wife identified as a.k.a. Jhing and rescued their three children.

"All the forces under JTF-Sulu are doubling their efforts to apprehend Mundi Sawadjaan. His brothers are now dead and we are optimistic that he will also be neutralized. When that day comes, we can say that we have achieved total peace in the province. The local government and people here are one with us in this endeavor," Maj. Gen. Gonzales added.

Since January 2021, a total of 121 ASG personalities were neutralized in Sulu. Among the 121, 18 were killed, 86 surrendered, and 17 were apprehended.

“Congratulations to the troops of Joint Task Force Sulu and our partners for this successful operation,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

“Joint Task Force Sulu continuously implements its all-out campaign to eliminate the remaining ASG personalities in the province,” the commander added.(By JONG CADION wirtth reports and photos from WestMinCpm-PIO)

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