Gov’t forces capture 2 Abus,4 NPA members in separate encounters in Sulu, Negros Or.

From the Daily Tribune (Sep 8): Gov’t forces capture 2 Abus,4 NPA members in separate encounters in Sulu, Negros Or.

Troopers from the 2nd Marine Brigade have successfully arrested two suspected Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members during operations in Barangay Pansul, Patikul, Sulu last Friday morning.

These men were identified as Salih Madjam alias “Undag Dami” and his brother Kinang Madkam alias “Tinman Dami.”

Col. Jose Johnriel Cenabre, 2nd Marine Brigade commander, said the ASG men were nabbed around by 6:30 a.m. by elements of the 11th Special Operations Platoon led by 2nd Lt. Michael Loon.

He added that Loon’s group was conducting law enforcement operations when the two were apprehended.

Seized from the suspects were an M-1 Garand rifle and 10 rounds of ammunition.

The two were positively identified by the civilian community as members of the group of ASG sub-leader Juhurim Hussien, the same group believed to be involved in series of kidnappings of civilians in Sulu.

Hussien’s group is also responsible for series of ambush/attacks of military personnel who are providing security to peace and developmental initiatives in Sitio Lumbaan, Barangay Buhanginan, Sitio Bulabog, Barangay Bunbun, Sitio Tubig Magtuh, Barangay Panglayahan, all in Patikul town.

Meanwhile, troopers from the 3rd Scout Ranger Company have captured four New People’s Army (NPA) fighters who were part of a 20-man group encountered by government forces at Sitio Hinobaan, Barangay Plagatasanon, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental last Friday early morning.

The incident took place around 12:50 a.m.

Major Ray Tiongson, 3rd Infantry Division spokesman, said the rebels were encountered by the soldiers while conducting a security patrol off the above-mentioned area.

A 15-minute firefight took place where the NPA band sustained still undetermined casualties with no losses to the government side.

Tiongson identified the captured rebels as Jessie Abing, 26, a resident of Barangay Nasunggan, La Libertad town; Thomas Isugan, 19, of Barangay Buenavista, Guihulngan City; Dandy Demerin, 18, a resident of Barangay Camandag, La Castellana and Ricardo Ricanillo, 37, of Barangay Linantuyan, also in Guihulngan City.

Recovered from their possession were an M-14 automatic rifle, one magazine with ammunition, two hand grenades, seven backpacks with jungle hammocks and personal items, a medical kit with BP apparatus, seven ponchos, assorted food stuffs and subversive documents of high intelligence value.

The four captured NPA members were treated humanely and apprised of their constitutional rights.

Brig. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, 3rd Infantry Division commander, commended the troops for their professionalism and observance to human rights and rule of law.

“We (will) intensify our ‘Bayanihan’ operations and we ensure that our soldiers are more responsible, determined and focused toward the accomplishment of mandated mission without violation of any law,” he concluded.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/nation/item/18924-gov-t-forces-capture-2-abus-4-npa-members-in-separate-encounters-in-sulu-negros-or