Supported by air assets and artillery fires, troops of the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion, 64thInfantry Battalion, 18th Infantry Battalion and 12th Division Reconnaissance Company under the Joint Task Force Basilan led by Brigadier General Fernando Reyeg, launched focused military operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group under sub-leader Furuji Indama at Sitio Gipitan, Barangay Bohe Pahu, Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan Province in the wee hours today (April 24).
Said operation resulted in four (4) ASG killed (bodycount), and recovery of the following: 3 High-Powered Firearms (1 – M14, 1 – M16 and 1 – R4); one (1) M16 handguard; IED components; six (6) magazines for M14; sixteen (16) rounds 7.62mm link; seventeen (17) rounds 7.62mm ball; one (1) Samsung cellphone; and several food supplies.
“The military offensive is yet another strong message against the ASG and other lawless elements in the province that they cannot escape the full force of the government. On the other hand, peace is offered to those who are willing to surrender, unconditionally, and embrace the opportunity to leave a peaceful, normal life currently experienced by those ASG surrenderors, under the province’s PAVE program,” Brigadier General Fernando Reyeg said.
Troops continue to scour the area.
“The sustained military operations of JTF Basilan manifest the commitment of the AFP in fulfilling its mandate of bringing internal peace and security in the province of Basilan,” said WestMinCom Chief Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega.
“Rest assured that we will continue to abide by the rules of engagement and contain the Abu Sayyaf Group with the assistance of the local government and the community,” LtGen Dela Vega added.
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