Government forces have already captured three Abu Sayyaf camps as pursuit operations continued to neutralize remaining bandits and two senior leaders in Basilan, according to a military official.
Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., designated spokesman of the ground operation, said the latest to fall was an encampment in Barangay Baguindan, Tipo-Tipo town last Sunday.
Tan said the elements of the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion under Lt. Col. Elmer Suderio recovered the camp about 7:15 a.m. which was hastily abandoned by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
He said the troopers recovered several components of an improvised explosive device (IED), war materials, medical paraphernalia, cloths and bandages with bloodstains, and three sacks of rice.
With the presence of blood-stained cloths and bandages in the camp, troopers believe that the Abu Sayyaf bandits were moving around with casualties on their side.
The recovery was the third since the offensive was launched. The troops have earlier took over Abu Sayyaf training camps in Sitio Bayoko, Barangay Baguindan and Barangay Amaloy in Ungkaya Pukan town where several factions of the Abu Sayyaf retreated.
“There was no engagement because the Abu Sayyaf terrorists were evading as the ground troops captured their objective,” Tan said.
The military said its relentless pursuit continued citing that the fleeing militants did not slip out of the operation areas in Tipo-Tipo town.
“What we are doing is limiting their space until will corner them,” Tan said.
He added that one of the Abu Sayyaf leaders -- Furuji Indama -- has remained in critical condition. He believes the ASG could not move further because of their other casualties.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.