Two alleged Abu Sayyaf members killed in Tawi-tawi

May 4, 2020

Two alleged members of the Abu Sayyaf were killed in a clash with security forces in Tawi-tawi on Sunday morning.

Major Arvin Encinas, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command spokesman, said the Marine Battalion Landing Team-6, Tandubas Municipal Police Station ,and Provincial Mobile Force Company encountered the Abu Sayyaf in Barangay Taruk, Tandubas.

Encinas said the 10-minute firefight resulted in the neutralization of two Abu Sayyaf members identified as Jul Haber alias Black Shabu or Toks and Kamsel Ampang.

"Seized from the area were one M16 rifle with scope; 123 rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition; six short alloy magazines of M16 rifle; three long magazines of M16 rifle; one rifle grenade; one suspender; five plastic sachets made of straw; one plastic sachet of shabu; and other drug paraphernalia," he added.

Col. Arturo Rojas, commander of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi , said "Jul Haber is an ASG/KFRG (Kidnap for Ransom Group) member  who arrived at Sitio Gigipan, Brgy Dungon, Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi last May 2017."

Rojas said Haber was engaged in illegal drug trade in Tandubas with Odin Masihul, alias Baby or Bedi or Ombak, who was neutralized in a buy-bust operation in Sitio Pahapatan, Barangay Baldatal Islam, Sapa-Sapa, Tawi-Tawi on November 20, 2019.

Encinas said thebodies were turned over to Tandubas MPS for proper disposition.

The wife and son of Jul Haber were also turned over to Hon. NasilHajiul Abug, chairman of Barangay Taruk, said Encinas.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, head of the Western Mindanao Command, lauded the government forces. Robina Asido/DMS