ASG and captive Indon sailors spotted in Sulu

From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 15): ASG and captive Indon sailors spotted in Sulu

Fifty-five members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and seven Indonesian sailors they abducted  in the Sulu Sea last June 24 have been spotted in a remote sitio in Luuk, Sulu where the bandit group is believed to be getting aid from some local politicians.

This was disclosed by a military source, who said that the ASG, led by Alhabsi Misaya and with the seven hostages, were seen holding camp in Luuk town around 5 p.m. Thursday.

The source, who asked anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to media, added that the Misaya’s group was being supported by local residents, as well as some politicians who have been providing them with logistical and intelligence requirements.

Sulu map (Photo courtesy of google map)

According to the source, the  group and their captives were now encamped at  Sitio Bulagsih in Luuk town.

The military is currently on high-level campaign against the ASG in the province that puts more pressure on the bandit group to free the hostages.

This developed as three personnel of the Field Artillery Battalion attached to the Marine Battalion Landing Team-10 (MBLT-10) were shot to death, Thursday morning  by suspected members of the ASG in Indanan, Sulu.

Maj Filemon Tan Jr.,  spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Western Mindanao Command (AFP-WesMinCom) said the three soldiers were procuring provisions in Barangay Manilop, Indanan when they were waylaid and shot by the suspects.

Tan said members of the MBLT-10 rushed to the area  but failed  to catch  the suspects who immediately fled after the incident.

According to Tan, the bodies of the victims were immediately transported by soldiers  to Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista in Jolo, Sulu. Their names were not released pending notification of their next of kin.

Meanwhile, in Basilan province, about 40 rogue members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and lawless elements from the municipalities of Olutanga, Talusan and Mabuhay, all in Sibugay province, have reportedly traveled to Al-Barka, Basilan using a commercial vessel to reinforce the groups of relatives belonging to the ASG led Isnilon Hapilon and Furuji Indama.

The group Hapilon and Indama has sporadically engaged in armed confrontation  with government forces in the municipalities of Tipo-Tipo, Al-Barka and Unkaya Pukan, all in Basilan province since July 3.

To reinforce the ASG leaders’ forces, a group under Mansul Urang and Ogis Jakaria was reportedly able to leave this city and was headed to Lamitan City in Basilan onboard different ferries from July 11 to 13.

Some were able to get to Basilan onboard a fishing boat, bringing with them ammunition, medical kits, and other logistical supplies.

Tan said the  all-out Focus Military Operations in the two province will continue until they can neutralize the ASG in the two provinces.
http://www.mb.com.ph/asg-and-captive-indon-sailors-spotted-in-sulu/