ASG 'bandit' killed, another captured in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 6, 2019): ASG 'bandit' killed, another captured in Sulu

An Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) follower was killed while another was captured in a clash as government offensive continues against the ASG bandits behind the January 27 bombing of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Jolo, Sulu.

Col. Gerry Besana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, said the firefight occurred in Barangay Saying Susuk, Maimbung, Sulu at about 5:10 p.m. Tuesday.

Besana said the troops were conducting focused military operations against the church bombers when they clashed with a group of ASG bandits led by sub-leader Idang Susukan.

The firefight that lasted for about 20 minutes resulted in the death of an ASG bandit and the capture of ASG follower Murtasil Paradjil, who was injured during the firefight.

Government troops brought Paradjil to the Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Barangay Bus-Bus, Jolo, for treatment.

Besana said the troops recovered three M-14 rifles, an M-16 rifle, and a bandolier with M-14 magazine and ammunition from the clash site.

He disclosed that a soldier was wounded during the firefight. No identity was released except that the wounded soldier belongs to the Army’s 41st Infantry Battalion.

The Joint Task Force Sulu said the ASG involved in Tuesday’s firefight was the same group that clashed with the Army’s 5th Scout Ranger Battalion on February 2.

“The Abu Sayyaf militants are now on the run after the ferocious gunfight with the scout rangers. They are now splintered into small groups to evade the pursuing government troops,” said Brig. Gen. Divino Rey Pabayo, Joint Task Force Sulu commander.

Pabayo said the troops are tracking down the ASG bandits, who fled following the 20-minute firefight in Maimbung on Tuesday.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1061194