Offensive vs. ASG continues despite attack on military camp

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 1, 2019): Offensive vs. ASG continues despite attack on military camp



HONORING THE WOUNDED. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, Armed Forces chief-of-staff, awards medal to one of the soldiers wounded during the June 28 attack on a military camp in Indanan, Sulu, while Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, newly-installed Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, looks on. The two officials visited the wounded soldiers on Saturday, June 29, at the Camp Gen. Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Jolo, Sulu. (Photo courtesy of Westmincom Public Information Office)

Government forces have been ordered to maintain intensified operations against security threats in the province of Sulu.

Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, newly-installed Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, issued the order after Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits attacked on June 28 a military camp in the municipality of Indanan, Sulu.

Sobejana said Monday the focused military operation against the ASG bandits in Sulu will "remain relentless".

“Westmincom will be relentless in its effort to bring long and lasting peace and progress in the Bangsamoro Region and the adjoining provinces that it covers,” Sobejana said.

Seven people, including three soldiers, were killed while 22 others were wounded when two suspected suicide bombers staged a noontime attack on June 28 at the headquarters of the Army’s 1st Brigade Combat Team in Sitio Tanjung, Barangay Kajatian, Indanan town.

Two civilians also died, as well as the two suspects behind the attack that injured 12 other soldiers and civilians.

Sobejana and Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, Armed Forces chief-of-staff, extended financial and moral support to the bereaved families of the victims when they visited Sulu a day after the incident.

“The men and women of the Western Mindanao Command extend their deepest sympathy to the bereaved family of those killed in action during the unfortunate incident on June 28,” Sobejana said.

The two officials, accompanied by other military officers, also inspected the explosion site as a thorough investigation is being conducted by the police.

Madrigal has awarded the wounded soldiers during their visit at Camp Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Barangay Busbus, Jolo, Sulu.

He also checked on the condition of the troops and boosted their morale amid the continuing campaign against terrorism in the province.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1073765