CAMP NAVARRO, Calarian, Zamboanga City (DWDD) – Troops of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) seized two high-powered firearms of the Abu Sayyaf Group following a fierce gun-fight in Sulu on March 13, 2018.
In a focused military operation, troops of the 5th Scout Ranger Battalion led by Lieutenant Colonel Marlon S Jomalesa, heavily engaged about 30 Abu Sayyaf members under top leader Radulan Sahiron and sub-leaders Julie Ekit, Amlon Abtahi, and a certain Amah Asam.
“In his report, LtCol Jomalesa said that they were able to creep in as close as 20 meters that is why they were able to fire at the enemy at close range. They were just very careful due to the possible presence of kidnap victims with the Abus,” said Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command.
“Artillery and mortar fires from the rangers and reinforcing units were further delivered on the withdrawal routes of the retreating bandits.”
Seized were an Elisco M16A1 rifle and a Colt M16A1 rifle of the bandits in Tuesday’s clash that ensued in Barangay Panglahayan, Patikul, Sulu at 2:31pm after the initial clearing of the area.
Elements of the 32nd Infantry Battalion augmented and provided necessary support to the engaged troops yesterday which ran for about until mid afternoon.
“The Joint Task Force Sulu continues to employ more pressure on the remaining Abu Sayyaf bandits to rescue captives and gain more enemy strongholds and armaments,” said Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu.
“We believe that a number of the bandits were wounded and probably could have died due to loss of blood after yesterday’s encounter especially that our rangers are still pursuing them as of this report.”
“Operating unit said that they are estimating at least five killed Abus based on the bloodstains and the report of sources,” added Sobejana.
From January to March 14, 2018, military troops gained fifty-four firearms of the Abu Sayyaf (14 in Basilan, 38 in Sulu, and two in Tawi-Tawi).
Twenty-four firearms were surrendered by the Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sulu while 14 were recovered by the Joint Task Force Sulu in their combat operations.
“While operations are vigorously undertaken to thwart further kidnappings, we still encourage other Abu Sayyaf members to lay down their arms in order to finally have peace in Sulu and Basilan,” added LtGen Galvez, Jr.
Meanwhile, troops evacuated four wounded soldiers to Kuta Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Jolo, Sulu, while two more were airlifted to Zamboanga City for further medical attention.
“Our soldiers are being taken care of by the best medical hospitals in Zamboanga. We have already informed their families so that they can see their love ones,” added the WestMinCom Chief. WESMINCOM / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/03/15/scout-rangers-neutralize-5-asg-and-seizes-high-powered-firearms-in-sulu/
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