ZAMBOANGA CITY—The Western Mindanao Command (WMC) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines had conducted intensified combat operations against terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sulu starting April 22.
An official statement from the WMC obtained by Sandigan News and Banat Pilipinas News states that all-out offensives launched by the Joint Task Force Sulu continue to contain the ASG in Sulu. It says that in the early morning of April 22, while conducting combat operation, troops of the 45th Infantry Battalion encountered an undetermined number of ASG in Barangay Latih, Patikul, Sulu.
The enemies withdrew to different directions after about 34 minutes of firefight. The pursuing team of the armed forces later recovered three cadavers of the enemy and also discovered bloodstains in the encounter site. The killed ASG members were identified as Guro Khalid, Udal Muhamadar Said, and a certain Budah.
According to Major General Corleto Vinluan, Joint Task Force Sulu Commander, “three enemies were killed and many other ASG members might be wounded in the ensuing gun battle.” On the side of the military, the encounter left eight soldiers wounded who were immediately brought to Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital and onward to Camp Navarro General Hospital for immediate medical attention.
Late last week, 11 government troopers belonging to the Philippine Army’s 21st Infantry Battalion also fell victims in a clash between the ASG in Sulu. The incident was condemned by the AFP, PNP and City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.
Lt. General Cirilito Sobejana, WMC commader said “we are sustaining our focused military operations in Sulu to finish the ASG and bring about peace in the province. He also appealed for prayers for the safety of the wounded soldiers who rendered unselfish service to win peace and for the protection of all troops in the field against the scourge of Covid-19 pandemic.
