Four Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits and three soldiers were killed as government troops captured an ASG lair following intense fighting in the province of Sulu, military officials said.
Col. Gerry Besana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, said the firefight that broke out around 11 a.m. Friday in Barangay Latih, Patikul, Sulu also wounded 22 soldiers and 11 ASG bandits.
Col. Gerry Besana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, said the firefight that broke out around 11 a.m. Friday in Barangay Latih, Patikul, Sulu also wounded 22 soldiers and 11 ASG bandits.
Besana said troops belonging to the Army’s 5th Scout Ranger Battalion were on a combat operation when they encountered the ASG bandits under Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan.
The captured ASG lair has 37 fighting positions believed to have been occupied by 80 ASG bandits, Besana said.
He said the Army’s 21st and 41st Infantry Battalions immediately established blockade and traced the possible withdrawal routes of the fleeing ASG bandits.
Besana said nine of the 22 wounded soldiers were airlifted to Camp Navarro General Hospital in this city while the remaining 13, who were slightly injured, are recuperating at the Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Barangay Bus-bus, Jolo, Sulu.
Eight of those who sustained slight wounds were discharged from the hospital Friday.
Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, Westmincom chief, condoled with the families of the slain soldiers "who gave the ultimate sacrifice."
“We shall never forget the gallantry, sacrifice, and selfless service of our fallen comrades, who fought hard to bring security and development in Sulu. In our continuing campaign to quell terrorism, we shall always be guided by our sincerity, integrity, and fervor,” dela Vega said.
He vowed that the troops will remain "resilient in confronting security challenges" in Sulu and are committed to hunt and crush the ASG bandits.
“As true servants and protectors, your Westmincom troops continue to secure the area and work with the Suluanons to bring the coveted peace in the province,” dela Vega said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066669
Besana said nine of the 22 wounded soldiers were airlifted to Camp Navarro General Hospital in this city while the remaining 13, who were slightly injured, are recuperating at the Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Barangay Bus-bus, Jolo, Sulu.
Eight of those who sustained slight wounds were discharged from the hospital Friday.
Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, Westmincom chief, condoled with the families of the slain soldiers "who gave the ultimate sacrifice."
“We shall never forget the gallantry, sacrifice, and selfless service of our fallen comrades, who fought hard to bring security and development in Sulu. In our continuing campaign to quell terrorism, we shall always be guided by our sincerity, integrity, and fervor,” dela Vega said.
He vowed that the troops will remain "resilient in confronting security challenges" in Sulu and are committed to hunt and crush the ASG bandits.
“As true servants and protectors, your Westmincom troops continue to secure the area and work with the Suluanons to bring the coveted peace in the province,” dela Vega said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066669
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.