Justice is served to Abu victims — army official

From the Daily Zamboanga Times (Jul 27): Justice is served to Abu victims — army official

“Surely, the victims will be happy that finally justice had been served and the death of Sulaiman Ajanti alias  Ulay will remind the remaining notorious ASGs’ that evil will not prevail.”

Thus said Brig. Gen. Carlito G Galvez Jr., commander of the Army’s 104th Brigade based in Basilan, on the death of Ulay, a subleader of the Abu Sayyaf of who was killed together two other militants in an encounter with Army soldiers and militiamen in Barangay Sungkayot, Ungkaya Pukan town Thursday afternoon.

Two militiamen of the civilian volunteer organization were killed in the same encounter.

“We extend our sincerest sympathies to the families and friends of those civilian volunteers who were killed. Rest assured that we will extend necessary assistance to the bereaved families and wounded civilian volunteers,” Galvez said.

He said the successful operation was made due to tedious surveillance carried out by the operating troops patiently waiting for the arrival of the ASG and lawless elements onboard three motorcycles along crossing Kurrelem in Tipo-Tipo.

“This operation was the sequel of a series of successful operations which neutralized a top leader of the BIFF member in Basilan and dreaded ASG assassins that conducted a number of atrocities in Lamitan and Isabela Cities. We will intensify our operations after Ramadan period so as not to disrupt the remaining solemn days before Eid’l Ftr.” Galvez said.

According to 1Lt. Sally Cristine Magno Philippine Army, 104th Brigade Public Affairs Officer,  a brieaf firefight ensued between the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and army troops led by Maj Muhaimin Ahmad and civilian volunteers which resulted in the death of Ulay; Botqong Aliman and Madie Umangkat

Magno said  seven other militants were wounded. Recovered by the soldiers from the slain Abu Sayyaf gunmen were an M16, M203 and M14 rifled

She said Ulay and Madee Umangkat were responsible for the series of ambushes against civilians in 2011 and 2012 which resulted in the death of 29 and the wounding of 59 rubber tappers/workers of Tumahubong Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development Cooperative (TARBIDC) in Tumahubong, Sumisip.”

She added:“This lawless group is also responsible for the kidnapping of DSWD social worker Jennelyn Luna in 2013 and the abduction of US Nationals Gerfa Yeats Lunsmann and son, Kevin Lunsmann, in 2012.”

http://zamboangatimes.ph/zamboangatimes/top-news/11600-justice-is-served-to-abu-victims--army-official.html