Troops overrun ASG lair in Basilan

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 20, 2019): Troops overrun ASG lair in Basilan

An Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandit was killed while an ASG lair was overrun by troops following two separate gunfights in Basilan province, military officials said Wednesday.

Col. Gerry Besana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, said the first firefight that broke out around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday in Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan resulted in the death of ASG bandit Adam Asarakil, one of the followers of Basilan-based ASG leader Furudji Indama.

Besana said the troops were on security operation when they clashed with the group of Indama. He said Indama’s group fled and was pursued by the troops.

He said the ASG lair was overrun when another firefight ensued around 8:35 a.m. between the pursuing troops and fleeing ASG bandits a few hundred meters away from the site of the first clash.

The fallen ASG lair has two makeshift houses that can accommodate 15 persons, the Army official said, adding that troops recovered an M-16 Armalite rifle from the hideout.

Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, commander of Westmincom, said: "Ground troops are determined to hunt militants and penetrate enemy lairs, taking prudent actions to neutralize terrorists in Basilan."

Dela Vega said tactical offensives will continue "to crush terrorists and maintain internal security in the province of Basilan".

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065138