Alleged Abu killed, man involved in 2018 Lamitan bombing severely wounded in Basilan

May 13, 2020

An alleged member of the Abu Sayyaf,  was shot dead in an encounter with government troops in Basilan last Friday night, a military spokesman reported on Wednesday.

Maj. Arvin Encinas, Western Mindanao Command spokesman,  said  based on reports Adzuan Kajing, involved in the 2018 Lamitan bombing where 10 were killed, was severely wounded in the encounter.

Encinas said  Judicial Region Branch 2, Isabela, Basilan released a warrant of arrest for Kajing.

Encinas said troops of the 18th Infantry Battalion conducting strike operations when they faced around four Abu Sayyaf Group members in Bohe Selangan, Barangay Baguindan, Tipo-Tipo municipality at 11:30pm.

"The encounter lasted for  three  minutes after which the enemy scampered to different direction," he said.

"While scouring the area of engagement, troops recovered one enemy cadaver, one fragmentary grenade, three rounds of 40mm grenade launcher ammunition, one Harris handheld radio, four cellphones, one power bank, two backpacks, one jungle hammock, food items, and enemy personal belongings," he added.

Encinas said the neutralized ASG member was identified as Pau Geh.

Brig. Gen. Fernando Reyeg, commander, Joint Task Force Basilan lauded "the troops of the 18th Infantry Battalion for their remarkable accomplishments amid the health crisis."

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, WestMinCom commander, said "while our soldiers brave the danger brought about by the corona virus, they also continue to risk their lives fighting for peace and security in their area of operations." Robina Asido/DMS