ASG runs for life, yeilds encampment to troops

Zamboanga City (The Redline News Philippines) - The Joint Task Force Basilan under Col Juvymax R Uy consisting of the 4th Special Forces Battalion and 3rd Scout Ranger Regiment scored anew after successively engaging the scampering Abu Sayaff Group yesterday, 11 May 2017.

Armed with intelligence reports from ASG surrenderees, the local populace and the Local Government Units, the Brigade was able to track down the ASGs temporary encampment.

Just before dawn, operating troops under the 4TH Special Forces Battalion managed to close with the temporary enemy's harbor in Brgy Pamatsaken, Sumisip Municipality believed to be harboring ASG Sub Leader Furuji Indama.

“Equipped with superb fighting capabilities, our troops were able to inch within a hundred meters of the enemy under the cover of darkness” quotes LTC Andrew B Bacala Jr, Commanding Officer of the 4th Special Forces Battalion.

Evading several IEDs layed by the bandits, the Special Forces Troops managed completely seize the encampment before 10 in the morning.

Seizure of the site reveals (12) makeshift tents capable of accommodating MOL 30-40 Abu Sayaff bandits across 150 meters of hilltop. Heavy bloodstains were found in the vicinity, with Intel reports rounding no less than twenty (20) ASG fatalities from the combined airstrikes and indirect fires.

The troops also recovered several foodstuffs and explosive components capable of making thirty (30) IEDs. Three live (3) IEDs were also recovered by Special Forces Demolition Specialists. One IED, however, managed to detonate, inflicting minor injuries to two troopers. None were reported to be in critical condition.

Successive firefight followed as the Rangers from the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion caught up with the fleeing bandits some 300 meters from the seized encampment.

“Our troops were able to cordon the enemy due to the accurate and timely indirect fires and close air support delivered by our Artillery and the Philippine Airforce.” Col Uy notes. “Also, the information being volunteered by the populace and LGUs provided critical details to validate the intelligence we have on hand” he adds.

Naval Task Group Basilan also conducted maritime interdiction operations to prevent the bandits from escaping by sea.

Shock and Awe

The bandits also got a taste of the Philippine Airforce’s F/A 50 after the jet fighters delivered its deadly payload, inflicting immediate fatalities to the ASGs.

“The ASGs were so shocked they left most of their personal belongings and unfinished meal at their encampment” a team leader from the Special Forces who have just cleared the site notes.

“The supersonic jet’s swooshing sound may have sounded as a whisper of death to the ASGs”, he adds.

The airstrikes were immediately followed with artillery and mortar fires, inflicting additional casualties to the bandits.

“If the pounding doesn’t break their body, it will surely shake their souls.” LTC Bacala expresses.

Resources dwindling, members getting desperate

Unlike previous engagements, the ASGs have now resorted to evading government forces as their resources run low.

“We no longer experience the prolonged firefights with the ASGs. This suggests that they have run out of ammunition and other supplies necessary to engage government forces. More than just resources, they no longer have the mass base they once enjoy.” Notes Col Uy.

Debriefing from ASG surrenderes revealed that most of their members “have lost the will to fight due to the intensified military operations and no longer believes in the promises of a better life with the terrorist group.” They also add that “joining the group brought nothing but pain, hardship and death on our part”.

“It will only take a matter of time before the ASG succumbs and their dream of establishing a folly caliphate will finally come to an end. With the string of victories we are attaining, it will not take long before the ASGs threats are downgraded to no more than that of an ordinary criminal.” Col Uy closes.

(RJRTV)