ASG on the run after heavy losses

From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 24): ASG on the run after heavy losses

Ten more Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members were killed in the military’s continued operations in Patikul, Sulu, bringing to 25 the number of bandits slain since Thursday’s successful rescue of two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) hostages.

According to Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, commanding general of the Sulu Joint Task Group, 10 ASG combatants were slain after artillery fire was used to chase down fleeing members of the terror group.

The ASG has reportedly been split into numerous groups in Patikul and and Indanan towns in a bid to evade pursuing elements of the Sulu Joint Task Group.

The Group had earlier engaged the ASG in a fierce encounter Thursday that allowed PCG men Gringo Villaruz and Rod Allain Pagaling to escape after more than three months in captivity.

Villaruz and Pagaling have since been reunited with their families.

According to Arrojado, the bandits have since been thrown into panic and have fled Patikul together with some foreign hostages which included Malaysian and Korean nationals.

In that Thursday operation, 15 ASG bandits were killed while 16 others were injured.

http://www.mb.com.ph/asg-on-the-run-after-heavy-losses/