3 Abus killed during clash between soldiers and ASG in Sulu

Brig.Gen. Cirilito Sobejana. Task Force Sulu Commander

Zamboanga City -  As troops of the Joint Task Force Sulu continue to press-on remaining members of the Abu Sayyaf Group, three Abu Sayyaf local terrorist members were killed in an encounter last  July 8.

Soldiers of the 21st Infantry Battalion, headed by Major Christopher Genzola, engaged in an hour offensive firefight with heavily armed ASG under Almujer Yaddah in Sitio Darayan at the boundary of Barangay Danag and Barangay Buhanginan, both of Patikul, Sulu at 8:45 in the morning.

During clearing operations, troops were able to recover 1 unidentified dead body of the enemy from the encounter site.

"Our operating troops were also able to see the bandits dragging two bodies of their companions who appeared to be already lifeless," said Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, Commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu.

Troops were acting upon information that were initially taken from the two recovered kidnap victims in the afternoon of July 7 in Daang Puti, Patikul, Sulu.

-file photo-

Rocabo and Leones specifically pinpointed the locations of the targeted Abu Sayyaf group, who, according to the duo, is keeping captive other kidnap victims, including some Vietnamese crewmen.

"As we speak, skirmishes are still ongoing as our troops are going after the tracks of the withdrawing bandits," added BGen Sobejana.

"The soldiers are very careful in their movements since it is believed that the Abu Sayyaf group is still carrying with them around 6 to 7 kidnap victims."

"During the course of encounter, 1 soldier died and 15 others were slightly wounded. All wounded in action were safely evacuated and are already being treated at the Kamp Teodulfo Busbos Hospital in Jolo, Sulu, while the body of the dead soldier was brought to the military mortuary in the JTF Sulu headquarters.

"It is with deep sadness to report that 1 of our soldiers succumbed to death and 15 others were wounded in their persistent effort to rescue the kidnap victims," said BGen Sobejana.

"The family of the fallen soldier will immediately be notified and will receive all compensations due to the family of a hero."

"Forces of the JTF Sulu are in still in the area pursuing the bandits who left several blood stains on their tracks.

"We will continue pressing them on until these terrorists are all neutralized and the kidnap victims are rescued," added BGen Sobejana. (posted by Becky D. de Asis-The Redline News)