Seven Abu Sayyaf members killed in Sulu military operation

November 3, 2020

Seven members of Abu Sayyaf, including the presumed heir to replace the late ISIS emir in the Philippines Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, were killed in a military operation off the waters of Sulu Sea on Tuesday.

WestMinCom chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr said the military troops conducted air and sea interdiction targeting members of the Abu Sayyaf kidnap-for-ransom group under Mundi Sawadjaan and Radullan Sahiron at around 1:42 am.

"Exchanges of fire transpired which lasted for 25 minutes and resulted in the sinking of the boat utilized by more or less seven Abu Sayyaf Group members," said  Vinluan.

Vinluan said the Abu Sayyaf members were planning to conduct kidnapping activities in mainland Mindanao when they were intercepted.

Lt. Jerrica Angela Manongdo, public affairs officer of Joint Task Force Sulu public affairs officer, said troops of task force intercepted and killed seven Abu Sayyaf kidnappers aboard a twin engine speed boat at the open waters of Sulu sea near Sulare Island, Parang.

"JTF- Sulu Commander Major Gen William Gonzales orchestrated the joint operations utilizing the Augusta attack helicopter of the Philippine Air Force and the Multi Purpose Attack Craft (MPAC) of the Philippine Navy with the Scout Rangers and Special Forces on board," she said.

"Reportedly killed were Madsmar Sawadjaan (brother of bomber Mundi Sawadjaan), Mannul Sawadjaan alias Abu Amara (presumed to replace deceased ASG senior leader Hajan Sawadjaan as emir), and five others yet to be identified," she added.

Gonzales said the troops are still conducting retrieval operations of the sunk speed boat and cadavers of the Abu Sayyaf.

“Search and retrieval operations are being conducted utilizing our air and naval assets in the area of engagement,” he said.

"We will use all our available air, naval, and ground assets to neutralize these local terrorists," he said. Robina Asido/DMS