The Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) is now “less capable” in launching major attacks following months of intensified military operations against them, top military officials said yesterday.
“Anything may happen but they are less capable now due to the significant reduction of their strength as a result of our sustained and relentless focused military operations,” said Joint Task Force Sulu (JTFS) commander Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana Jr.
As the presidential deadline to decimate the terrorist group nears, AFP-WestMinCom spokesperson Capt. Jo-Ann Petinglay said the ASG again suffered a “heavy blow” Friday when elements of the 61st and 65th Marine Company, Marine Special Operation Group and the 2nd Special Forces Battalion engaged the bandits in an armed confrontation in the island village of Bangalaw in Banguingui, Sulu Province.
The composite team of Marines and Army Special Forces killed “Imbo,” the trusted lieutenant of slain ASG kidnap leader Alhabsy Misaya, bringing to 80 the total number of ASG bandits killed since the intensified military operation began in January.
The government side did not suffer any casualty but bloodstains in the area of encounter showed the bandits suffered casualties.
Misaya was killed by Marine troops in a firefight last month in Indanan, Sulu.
“Imbo is an ASG/KFRG (kidnap-for-ransom group) member and trusted contact in Bangalaw island of the late Misaya,” Sobejana said.
The troops recovered from “Imbo” an M-16 Armalite rifle with ammunition, a sachet of shabu and a mobile phone “containing pertinent information of his fellow bandits.”
“He is a KFR contact and facilitator in the island and a keeper of Misaya’s firearms and pump boats used in kidnapping ventures,” Sobejana added.
FATHER, SON GIVE UP
Meanwhile, Col. Juvymas Uy said two ASG members under sub-leader Nurhassan Jamiri have surrendered on Thursday to the Joint Task Force Basilan (JTFB).
Uy identified the surrenderers as Janatin Madjakin alias Atin, 44, and his son, Aldasid alias Alda, 19.
They turned over a baby armalite rifle and an M-79 grenade launcher.
“The duo (father and son) decided to go back to the folds of law, citing difficulties because of the relentless military operations,” Uy said.
To date, at least 50 ASG members have already surrendered to the military authorities since the military offensive began in January. Feeling the heat of the government’s military campaign in the Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi area, more ASG bandits are thinking of surrendering but are only waiting for the proper time to do so.
Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief earlier said the strength of the ASG has significantly decreased because of the military operation against them.
“They are at the tipping point,” Galvez added. He urged the bandits to surrender.
“More than anything else, we also want to work for peace without the use of arms and prevent bloodshed, and, in this light, we are encouraging other Abu Sayyaf bandits, as Filipinos, to lay down their arms and join the government in working for a peaceful and progressive Mindanao,” he said.
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