Troops capture 2 Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sulu clash

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Feb 3): Troops capture 2 Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sulu clash

TWO suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits were captured and several high-powered firearms were recovered after a clash in the hinterlands of Sulu, a military official said Friday, February 3.

 

Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) information officer Jo-ann Petinglay said the two Abu Sayyaf members were captured around 4:30 p.m. Thursday following a clash with the bandits at Sitio Kanjawali in the village of Kan Bulak, Luuk, Sulu.

 

Petinglay said the two bandits were found hiding in the area while the troops were conducting clearing operations after the clash.

 

She said the duo, who were caught in possession of grenades, were turned over to the police for the filing of appropriate charges.

 

The information officer said recovered at the clash site were the following: one M-16 rifle with five magazines of ammunitions, one caliber 30 Browning Automatic Rifle with five magazines of ammunitions, two bandoleers, one backpack containing documents of high-intelligence value, and dilapidated battle dress uniforms.

 

She said the clash occurred while the troops from the Joint Task Force Sulu were pursuing the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) sub-leader Alhabsy Misaya.

 

The group of Misaya had been on the run after a clash with the government troops on Tuesday in Pugad Manaul, Panamao, Sulu.

 

Seven of his followers were killed while five others were wounded.

 

Petinglay said the troops were informed on Thursday by the residents in the village of Kan Bulak, Luuk, that there were seven ASG members killed and five wounded confirming earlier report that Misaya’s group suffered casualties.

 

 She said the information revealed among those wounded were the brother of ASG sub-leader Alvin Yusop.

 

She added the troops were warned that the fleeing Abu Sayyaf bandits hid their firearms and mixed with the residents “whenever soldiers are nearby.”

 

Wesmincom Chief Carlito Galvez Jr. said the offensive is a continuing effort of Wesmincom to go after the remnants of the ASG, in line with the pronouncement of President Rodrigo Duterte that there will be no let-up operation against the bandits in the next six months.

 

Galvez reminded the operating troops to be more vigilant and to always follow the Rules of Engagement to avoid unnecessary damage to lives and properties.

 http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2017/02/03/troops-capture-2-abu-sayyaf-bandits-sulu-clash-523795