Monday, April 8, 2019

Two ASG members killed in encounter with gov’t forces in Sulu

From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 8, 2019): Two ASG members killed in encounter with gov’t forces in Sulu

Two Abu Sayyaf terrorists – one of which help facilitate the bombing of the Jolo, Cathedral in January of this year – were killed following an encounter against government troops in Patikul, Sulu on Monday afternoon.

A report coming from the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Western Mindanao Command (AFP-WestMinCom), identified the ASG terrorist killed as alias Barak Ingog, one of the facilitators of the twin bombings of the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Jolo, Sulu, last January 27, 2019.

The explosions left 21 people killed and more than 100 others injured, mostly parishioners attending the Sunday mass.

It was learned that operating troops from the Army’s 41st Infantry Battalion, 5th Infantry Division under Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu, were on combat patrol operations when it encountered more or less 40 Abu Sayyaf under Almujer Yada at Brgy. Bangkal, Patikul, Sulu, at about 3:45 p.m. Monday (April 8).

According to the AFP-WestMinCom Public Affairs Office, another Abu Sayyaf militant, identified as Nasser Sawajaan, the nephew of ASG leader Hatib Hajaan Sawadjaan, was also killed in the encounter which lasted for about 40 minutes.

Troops also recovered from the scene of the encounter an M16 rifle and personal belongings of the bandits.

The troops were supported by indirect fires and close air support, during the operation.

Unfortunately, three soldiers were hurt due to shrapnel wounds but are in stable condition.

Abu Sayyaf sub-leader also killed?

As this developed, Brig. Gen. Divino Rey Pabayo Jr,. JTF Sulu Commander said that they are verifying reports that a high-value Abu Sayyaf sub-leader was missing and presumed killed in the encounter.

“We also received information from residents in the area, who are also monitoring and reporting the whereabouts of the bandits in order to rid their presence in the community, that they overheard that another high-value ASG sub-leader is missing and probably dead,” Pabayo said

Pabayo said the ASG sub-leader whom they refused to identify pending confirmation of his death, is the subject of the clearing and pursuit operations of our troops on the ground.

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