Scout Rangers new mission Abu Sayyaf

From the Visayan Daily Star (Oct 30): Scout Rangers new mission Abu Sayyaf

Its Mission Accomplished for the 5th Scout Ranger (Crusaders) Battalion in Marawi, and the bandit Abu Sayaff Group in Sulu is next.

After its successful operations against ISIS-inspired Maute terrorist group in Marawi,the 5SRB, led by Negrense Lt. Col. Marlo Jomalesa, is heading for another fight?this time with the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group in Sulu.

The 5SRB was among the Philippine Army units pulled out from Marawi City, after its liberation from the Maute terrorist group.

After a month-long rest in Zamboanga, Jomalesa said yesterday that they are slated for deployment in Sulu.

In almost two months of deployment in Marawi City, the 5SRB had not incurred any casualty. The unit also participated in the rescue of kidnapped Filipino priest Fr. Teresito Soganub, and several other Maute terrorist group hostages, as well as in the liberation of Marawi, including the killing of two local terrorist leaders,Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute,

Another marked accomplishment of 15th Scout Ranger Company, that is under the supervision of 5SRB, was the heroism of Capt. Jeffrey Buada.

Buada,15th SRC commander, successfully managed to negotiate with the Maute for the release of 30 hungry and thirsty hostages. But before doing so, he removed his bullet proof vest, helmet and laid down his firearm.

The gunmen released the hostages, in exchange for food and water, after which the gunbattle resumed.

Aside from being the commander of the 5SRB, Jomalesa was also designated as officer-in-charge of the 63rd Infantry Battalion, following injuriesto its commander.

In the final days and assault in the last strong hold of the Maute, who occupied a mosque, a Roman Catholic church, and two big buildings, Jomalesa reported that 75 Maute members died.

Jomalesa said the Roman Catholic church, that the Maute desecrated on their first day of attack in Marawi, was also occupied by ISIS foreigners, who were also wiped out.

The military operations against Maute ended Oct. 23, five months after the terrorist group occupied Marawi City.

At about 4:15 p.m. of Oct.24, Jomalesa said “ Musang this is Crusader (referring to his battalion), last stronghold of ISIS/Maute cleared. Mission Accomplished”.

Asked for his assessment of their Marawi assignment, Jomalesa said all the high value target foreigners, who had joined the Maute group, died.

“The ISIS will be facing a hard time in operating in the Philippines, as we already learned from the hybrid warfare in Zamboanga and learned so many lessons in Marawi,” he added.

The 5SRB is now taking much-needed rest and recreation in Zamboanga, in preparation for another battle with a local terrorist group, andhave also called for prayers from Negrenses for their next mission.     

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2017/October/30/topstory2.htm