Military captures two Abu Sayyaf members in Sulu

November 10, 2017

Two Abu Sayyaf members were arrested by the government troops after an encounter in Sulu early Friday morning.

Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command spokesperson, identified them as Nadsfar Abdulla and Delson Kansiong.

She said the two were arrested by the elements of the 2nd Special Forces Battalion led by Lieutenant Colonel Jessie Montoya after a one hour firefight with the Abu Sayyaf members under Idang Susukan in Barangay Lagasan Higad, Parang, Sulu at around 1:50am.

Petinglay said there were no casualties on the government side.

She said  government forces also seized an R4 rifle and an M14 rifle from Abdulla and Kansiong.

“Abdulla and Kansiong are currently in the custody of the 2nd Special Forces Battalion for initial debriefing while coordination is being made with the police for proper legal procedures,” she said.

Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Sulu commander,  said government forces are  conducting pursuit operation against the Abu Sayyaf.

“As we speak, operating troops continue to scour the area to pin down the beleaguered bandits and prevent them from extricating the area,” he said.

Petinglay said based on their record since January this year, the Joint Task Forces under the Western Mindanao Command have arrested a total of 85 Abu Sayyaf members.

“Of this number, 12 were captured in Basilan, 50 in Sulu, seven in Tawi-Tawi, and 16 in Zamboanga,” she said.

Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command said their command will remain decisive on their “campaign to crush the Abu Sayyaf Group and end its nefarious activities to bring internal security in Western Mindanao.” Robina Asido/DMS