Three Abu Sayyaf members killed in Sulu

April 19, 2020

Three members of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) were killed while 11 were wounded in a clash in Sulu  Thursday afternoon, a military spokesman reported Saturday.

Maj. Arvin Encinas, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command spokesman, said  government troops encountered the ASG at the vicinity of Sitio Lihnub, Brgy. Buhanginan, Patikul, Sulu, around 2 o’clock in the afternoon on April 16.

"The 5th Scout Ranger Battalion (5SRB) 4th Scout Ranger Company encountered more or less 40 fully armed men confirmed under ASG leaders Radullan Sahiron and Hatib Hadjan Sawadjaan," he said.

"Reinforcements from 15th Scout Ranger Company also encountered the same group about a kilometer away from the first encounter site with a firefight that lasted around 45 minutes," he added.

Encinas said the clashes, supported by the 21st Infantry and 9th Field Artillery battalions, resulted in three ASG killed and eight others wounded.

"Three of the operating troops suffered minor injuries during the incident and were immediately brought to Camp General Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital for treatment," he said.

Following the clash,soldiers recovered an assault rifle, one grenade launcher, assorted ammunition , cellphones, solar panels, personal belongings and other subversive document.

Encinas said "the encounter was the result of continuous efforts of Brigadier General Antonio Nafarrete, AFP, Commander of 1101st Infantry Brigade following the clash of the 6th Special Forces Battalion on April 4, 2020 at So Gabang, Brgy. Kaunayan, Patikul, Sulu.

"Major General Corleto Vinluan Jr.,   commander of 11th Infantry Division, said the momentum to eradicate ASG in Sulu will continue amidst the COVID-19 epidemic.

“Our intent is for the soldiers to protect the people and the local government units who are currently delivering basic services to the community in line with the AFP mandates and guidelines in addressing the situation concerning COVID-19,” he said. Robina Asido/DMS