By Francis Wakefield
Three Abu Sayyaf terrorists were killed following an encounter with soldiers in Indanan, Sulu early Thursday morning, the military disclosed Friday.
(PIXABAY / MANILA BULLETIN)
Acting on an information received, troops of the 2nd Special Forces Battalion conducted combat-strike operation in Barangay Kuppong, Indanan, Sulu at 4:30 a.m. Thursday leading to an encounter and neutralization of three Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members.
During the clearing operation, the troops recovered the body of the slain ASG member identified as Pakan Sakam Sappari alias Last Pangit and one caliber 45 with a magazine and four rounds of ammunition.
“Pakam Sakam Sappari was a skilled sea navigator identified with various ASG subgroups, the latest of which was the group of the late ASG sub-leader Alden Bagade," Brig. Gen. Divino Rey Pabayo, commander of the military's Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu.
“He was reportedly involved in several kidnapping activities,” he added.
No casualty was reported on the government side.
Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, chief of the AFP Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), commended the troops for a job well done.
“Keep it up and show the people of Sulu our resolve to clear the province of the menace," Dela Vega said.
"We also thank the community and the people of Sulu for their contribution for this recent success of our forces," he added.
The JTF Sulu, in coordination with the local government and the populace, had series of accomplishments within the past few weeks against the ASG.