MNLF scours mountain ranges for ASG

From the Daily Tribune (Feb 8): MNLF scours mountain ranges for ASG

Fighters of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) continued to scour the mountain ranges of Patikul, Sulu in the hunt for the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) following intense fighting last weekend that resulted in the killing of 22 people, four of whom were reported to have been beheaded.

A reliable source, who is privy to the goings on in Sulu, said that MNLF fighters have been massing up in the mountains on Upper Kaunayan in search of the ASG believed to still be holding hostages.

“They (MNLF fighters) are still in the mountains of Patikul, combing every corner to locate the ASG (fighters) who went into hiding…there were reports that the ASG (fighters) have transferred to another place but the MNLF troops are slowly moving toward them,” the source said.

The source added the MNLF had already managed to penetrate Baunuh and Kabbuntakas in the outskirts of of Barangay Buhanginan but no Abu Sayyaf rebel was in sight.

The MNLF fighters are now said to be hunting down the Abu Sayyaf band of commanders Sawadjaan and Palo in Tubig Ibah in Upper Kaunayan, also in Patikul, a known stronghold of ASG leader Radullan Sahiron.

“This area is very difficult to penetrate…it’s a crooked terrain,” the source said.

Last Saturday, an intense firefight erupted between the group of Sawadjaan and the MNLF band of Habier Malik after the release of Abu Sayyaf hostages Ramel Vela and Rolando Letrero, crew men of Jordanian broadcast journalist Baker Atyani, whose whereabouts remained unknown.

Col. Orlando de Leon, commander of the 2nd Marine Brigade,said a “misunderstanding” between the MNLF and ASG in handling the hostages led to the intense firefight that resulted in the killing of eight MNLF fighters, four of whom were beheaded and 14 Abu Sayyaf rebels.

Despite the intense fighting last Saturday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) remained on the sidelines of the conflict.

AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, however, vowed that the military will remain on-guard to prevent the possible spillover of the conflict to the civilian populace in Patikul.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/item/10242-mnlf-scours-mountain-ranges-for-asg