Abu Sayyaf arms cache found by troops amid operations in Sulu

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 28, 2019): Abu Sayyaf arms cache found by troops amid operations in Sulu

Soldiers pursuing Abu Sayyaf militants found an arms cache in Patikul, Sulu on Tuesday, March 26.

Troops from the 13th Special Forces Company also retrieved from the Abu Sayyaf’s arms cache a 60mm mortar, two M16 rifles, bandoliers with magazines, IED paraphernalia, flags with ISIS markings, a military map, a handheld radio, and a night vision monocular in Barangay Bakong, Patikul at about 11 a.m..

Soldiers continue their focused military operations to track down Abu Sayyaf militants, according to Brigadier General Divino Rey Pabayo, Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu Commander.

At 5:35 p.m. the same day, troops from 2113th Special Forces Company engaged in a 30-minute gun battle about 10 Abu Sayyaf militants in Latih, Patikul.

Combat troops delivered fire support and blocked possible withdrawal routes of the enemies.

There was no reported casualty on the government side.

“Military offensives are relentlessly being launched against Abu Sayyaf militants in known strategic strongholds of the enemies in Sulu. We remain resolute in crumbling terrorist groups to address security threats and to pave the way for stability in Mindanao,” Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, the commander of the Western Mindanao Command, said.

“Rest assured that we will fulfill our mandate of securing the area of responsibility by ending insurgency to pave the way for development here,” he added.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/03/28/abu-sayyaf-arms-cache-found-by-troops-amid-operations-in-sulu/