Relentless combat operations reduce Abu Sayyaf ability to launch terror attacks

From the Philippine News Agency (May 20): Relentless combat operations reduce Abu Sayyaf ability to launch terror attacks

The Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) is now “less capable” in launching major attacks following months of continuing intensified military operations against them, top military officials said on Saturday.

“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) commanderBrig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana Jr.

On Friday, the ASG has again suffered “heavy blow” after the JTFS launched a combat operation in Bangalaw Island, Banguingui town, formerly known as Tongkil municipality.

The composite team of Marines and Army Special Forces Battalion troops that took part in the operation killed an ASG member, identified only as a “Imbo”.

The killing of "Imbo" brought to 80 the total number of ASG killed since the intensified military operation began in January.

"Imbo" is the right hand of the ASG sub-leader Alhabsy Misaya, who was killed by Marine troops in a firefight late 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" 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.

Meanwhile, two ASG members under sub-leader Nurhassan Jamiri have surrendered on Thursday to the Joint Task Force Basilan (JTFB).

Col. Juvymas Uy, JTFB commander, identified them as Janatin Madjakin alias Atin, 44, and his son, Aldasid alias Alda, 19.

They turned over two high-powered firearms consisting of an M16A1 (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.

Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, has earlier said the strength of the ASG has significantly decreased with the current rate 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.

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the military to destroy the ASG within a six-month period. The deadline will lapse on June 30.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/989512