Gov’t troops recover war materiel in battle vs alleged Abu Sayyaf in Sulu

October 29, 2020

Government troops recovered war materiel following an encounter with alleged Abu Sayyaf members in Sulu on Wednesday, a military official said on Thursday.

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., Western Mindanao Command chief, said  troops from the 5th Scout Ranger Battalion led by Lt. Col Herbert Dilag were conducting clearing operations in Barangay Adjid, Indanan, they encountered around 15 Abu Sayyaf members under bomber Mundi Sawadjaan and senior leader Radulan Sahiron around 4 pm.

Vinluan said following the 20-minute clash, troops recovered war materiel from the encounter site.

“While scouring the area, the operating troops recovered two M14 rifles, three hammocks, two pairs combat boots, two  backpacks and other belongings. Our troops also recovered documents including photocopies of passports owned by two Indonesian nationals whose identities are yet to be identified," he said.

"The recovered documents of high intelligence value will undergo thorough investigation to extract information that would strengthen our campaign in eliminating the local and foreign terrorists," he added.

Vinluan said "the ASG also suffered undetermined casualties as evident on the bloodstains in the encounter site. I am happy to report that there is no casualty on the government side."

Col. Antonio Bautista, 1101st Infantry Brigade commander, said more troops were deployed to hunt down the fleeing terrorist.

Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, acting commander of Joint Task Force Sulu, commended the troops of the 5th Scout Ranger Battalion.

Gonzales also acknowledged the support of local government units and peace-loving people of Sulu.

"Our troops are currently pursuing these terrorists. We have the manpower, we have the war assets, and we have the people of Sulu rallying behind us. They give tip-offs and they forbid Abu Sayyaf presence in their communities," he said.

"The Tausugs are very confident and they are not afraid as they themselves are volunteering to confront terrorists," he added. Robina Asido/DMS