Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 29, 2020): Troops of JTF-SULU clashes with Abu Sayyaf Group; discovers unexploded mortar shelling (By Erwin Pagay)
October 28, 2020, Camp Bautista, Jolo, Sulu – At around 3:30 PM today, separate and simultaneous operations by the 5th Scout Ranger Battalion and 13th Special Forces Company led to an encounter with the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Indanan and recovery of an unexploded mortar round in Patikul, respectively.
According to recent intelligence reports, the ASG members were forced to disperse in small groups amid the relentless military operations. This afternoon, the ASG’s tactics were proven ineffective as the 5th Scout Ranger Battalion led by Ltc Herbert D Dilag, through a tip from the local populace, was able to hunt down the terrorists in the hinterlands of Brgy Adjid, Indanan, Sulu. At exactly 3:56 PM a 20-minute firefight transpired between government forces and ASG members under bomber Mundi Sawadjaan and Senior Leader Radulan Sahiron. The clash ended with the ASG members scampering away, leaving behind their high-powered firearms and assorted personal belongings. Government troops recovered two (2) M14 rifles, three (3) hammocks, two (2) pairs combat boots, two (2) backpacks and other belongings.
Significantly, the troops also recovered documents including photocopies of passports owned by two Indonesian nationals whose identities are yet to be known. The documents, being of high intelligence value, will undergo thorough analysis to extract further information that would bolster the government’s fight against local and foreign terrorists.
“Our troops are currently pursuing these terrorists. We have the manpower, we have the war assets, and we have the people of Sulu rallying behind us. They give tip-offs and they forbid ASG presence in their communities. The Tausugs are very confident and they are not afraid as they themselves are volunteering to confront terrorists,” said MGen William N Gonzales, Commander of JTF Sulu.
The 1101st Brigade led by its Col Antonio Bautista is personally overseeing the pursuit operations of the 5SRB and support operations of some other battalions. Col Antonio is also working closely with the Brigade Commander of 1102 Infantry Brigade, Bgen Ignatius Patrimonio whos is in charge for the security of neighboring municipality of Patikul.
Meanwhile, at around the same time, the 13th Special Forces Company led by 1Lt Filmar Luzon together with the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPATs) of Barangay Kabbon Takas, Patikul, same province were conducting paneling while securing the members of DPWH who were in the process of road concreting for the said barangay. These BPATs, who are volunteer peacekeepers of the area, were trained by the Special Forces and were very keen on their surroundings that they were able to notice and identify an unexploded 60mm mortar round at Sitio Nangka in Kabbon Takas, same town. The BPATs immediately informed the troops on the ground and as standard operating procedure, the EOD team of JTF-Sulu disposed of the unexploded round on site.
Road concreting in Barangay Kabbon Takas is being done in preparation of the Balik Barangay Program. Said program aims to bring back Internally Displaced People to their previously war-torned and abandoned lands. “Now that the number of the ASG had dwindled, the fight against terrorism is coming to an end. With the Local Government Units taking the lead, we are bringing the people back to their homes and communities. People who fight with us for lasting peace,” said MGen Gonzales.
[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]
https://www.kalinawnews.com/troops-of-jtf-sulu-clashes-with-abu-sayyaf-group-discovers-unexploded-mortar-shelling/
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