Troops capture Sayyaf man in Basilan

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 3): Troops capture Sayyaf man in Basilan

Government troops have captured an alleged member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) on the island province of Basilan, a top military official announced Monday.

Col. Juvymax Uy, Joint Task Force Basilan commander, identified the captured ASG member as Ismael Gampal.

Uy said troops of the Army’s 4th Special Forces Battalion captured Gampal on Sunday in Barangay Bohe Yawas, Lamitan City, Basilan.

Uy said recovered from Gampal’s possession were an M-16 Armalite rifle and other war materiel, including a battle dress uniform and a military back pack.

“Our persistent military operations specially targeting Abu Sayyaf Group resulted to this recent accomplishment, Uy said.

“We also would like to recognize the help of those who have already surrendered for the precise information they have given so that we can zero-in to specific ASG targets,” he added.

“I also would like to recognize the continuing support of the local government units and the people of Basilan in our fight to contain and eliminate these terror groups,” Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said.

The capture of Gampal has brought to a total of 262 Abu Sayyaf bandits neutralized by troops here in Western Mindanao.

Of the total, 97 bandits were killed, 67 were apprehended and 98 surrendered.

The troops have recovered a total of 151 firearms of different calibers.

Galvez lauded the troops for their accomplishment as they continue to do their mandate “even if we are in our trying times right now.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/998553