One Abu Sayyaf, soldier, killed in encounter in Sulu

December 8, 2019

An alleged Abu Sayyaf member and a soldier  were killed while nine were wounded in a 30-minute encounter with the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu on Saturday afternoon.

Maj. Arvin Encinas, Armed Forces of Philippine (AFP) Western Mindanao Command spokesman, said the troops of 32nd Infantry Battalion and 12th Reconnaissance Company encountered 40 Abu Sayyaf members under sub-leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan in Sitio Tambang, Barangay Kabbon Takas, Patikul around 1:40 pm.

Encinas said troops recovered one body, believed to be remains of one of the four slain Abus along with one M-16 rifle; and personal belongings of the fleeing bandits.

Encinas said the wounded soldiers were brought to Camp Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital.

Brigadier General Antonio Nafarrete, commander of 1101st Brigade, said troops were sent after civilians reported the presence of the Abu Sayyaf in the area.

“The spotted crumbs of human flesh and bloodstains in the encounter site are indicatives of ASG's enormous casualties other than the cadaver recovered," Nafarrete said.

"Hence, we are very grateful for the information fed by the civilians regarding the presence of armed bandits in their communities,” he added.

JTF Sulu commander Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan said "the ASG has no safe place here in Sulu as the peace-loving Tausugs are now very active in reporting their presence."

Vinluan said the death of a soldier "will never weaken our spirits in our fight against terrorism."

"The ASG maneuver space is dwindling. Hence, they now have to surrender or be killed by our operating forces,” he added. Robina Asido/DMS