Air strike conducted against Abus in Sulu

From the Daily Tribune (Nov 2): Air strike conducted against Abus in Sulu

Government troops yesterday clashed with members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) during patrol operations in a forested area of Barangay Bungkaong in Patikul town, Sulu province, a military official said.

The encounter between the military and the bandit group, estimated to be five to 10 in number, took place around 7:20 a.m. Saturday.

Lt. Col. Marces Gayat, 35th Infantry Battalion commander, said his reconnaissance platoon was scouring a forested area in Barangay Bungkaong when they spotted the armed bandits.

“We traded fire with them but they scampered away to different directions. There were blood stains along their route of withdrawal,” he added.

First Lt. Chester Catapang led the assault on the fleeing bandits.

The troops also discovered an encampment with their belongings.

Col. Alan Arrojado, Joint Task Group Sulu commander, directed the MG-520 attack helicopters to provide close air support as troopers closely followed the bandits.

High explosive ordnance munitions were dropped by the attack helicopters to areas where the ASG band was last last seen.

“We will not give these bandits time to rest. Our troops will continuously pursue them in their forest lairs,” he said.

Arrojado said the air strike took place 6: 30 a.m.

The air strike was staged after the military learned of the presence of 150 ASG bandits in the area.

Reports said the brigands were in the area as early as Friday night.

The group, led by one Hatib Adjan Sawadjaan, was behind the abduction of the two German tourists — Stefan Viktor Okonek, 71 and Henrike Dielen, 55, who were released last October 17 allegedly after a ransom was paid.

The military earlier said that full-scale combat rescue mission will continue for the remaining ASG hostages.Among the 10 kidnap victims believed to be still in the hands of the bandit group are five foreigners - European birdwatchers Ewold Horn and citizen Lorenzo Vinciguerra; Japanese treasure hunter Mamaito Katayama, Malaysian Zakiah Aleip, and mother and daughter, Dina Lim and Yahong Lim Tan.     

http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/air-strike-conducted-against-abus-in-sulu