Kalinaw News: Military recovers high-powered firearm in a clash with terrorists in Sulu

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 26, 2022): Military recovers high-powered firearm in a clash with terrorists in Sulu



Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Jolo, Sulu – March 26, 2022 The 41st Infantry Battalion of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu encountered the Abu Sayaff Group (ASG) members in Barangay Bungkaong in the municipality of Patikul, Sulu in the early morning of March 26, 2022.

Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu, said, “Based from the report submitted by 1101Bde Commander Brig. Gen. Eugenio Boquio, operating troops of the 41st Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. James Erasmus Gagni were conducting focused military operations when they encountered more or less seven (7) ASG members believed to be under ASG Sub-leader Basaron Arok in the vicinity of Barangay Bungkaong, Patikul, Sulu.”

Maj. Gen. Patrimonio further revealed that “after the brief exchanges of fires, the terrorists fled towards south-east direction, leaving along one (1) M16 rifle and their personal belongings.”

In a statement, Brig. Gen. Boquio said that he deployed additional forces to pursue the fleeing enemies. “We deployed additional forces to possible exit points of the fleeing bandits. This is a relentless pursuit operation, especially now that our troops were able to locate the bandits positions,” said Brig. Gen. Boquio.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Patrimonio lauded the efforts and commitment of the troops and the peace-loving Suluanons for their commitment of ensuring peace, security, and development in the province of Sulu.

“This accomplishment is our collective effort backed by the support of the peace-loving residents who are tired of the violence brought by the ASG bandits in their communities. The tipping-off of the ASG presence in their communities is a manifestation of their continuing support us. Let us continue to press on the remaining ASG bandits and end terrorism here in Sulu,” said Maj. Gen. Patrimonio.

“Now, it is only a matter of time before we can finally say that Sulu is completely free from the threats and terrorism of the ASG bandits. We enjoin the public and encourage the remaining ASG bandits, particularly those who were encountered by our troops to go back to the folds of the law and live their normal lives. We are always here to help you start anew,” added by Maj. Gen. Patrimonio.

Since January this year, the JTF Sulu recovered a total of 25 firearms. Of the 25 firearms, 19 are high-powered firearms (HPFA), while six (6) are low-powered firearms (LPFA).

[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/military-recovers-high-powered-firearm-in-a-clash-with-terrorists-in-sulu/