By Francis Wakefield
An Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) sub-leader and another bandit were killed while two firearms were captured in the most recent encounter with the ASG in Talipao. Sulu on Tuesday, March 19, 2019.
Abu Sayyaf rebels in the interior of Jolo island (Reuters/Philippine National Red Cross via Reuters TV / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
A military report disclosed that the encounter took place at Brgy. Upper Binuang, Talipao, Sulu, about 4:45 p.m..
Troops from the 2nd Special Forces Battalion were conducting combat patrol when they were informed by the civilians in the aforesaid barangay that there were suspicious armed men seen in the area.
After following the directions given by the residents, the patrol encountered five ASG members under ASG Sub Leader Angah Adjid. This led to a ten-minute firefight that resulted to the death of two ASG members, one of whom was identified to be Angah Ajid.
Ajid is the last remaining ASG leader who was involved in the Sipadan kidnapping in 2000.
The encounter also resulted to the recovery of two high powered firearms; an M14 rifle and an M16 rifle with attached M203 grenade launcher.
Brig. Gen. Divino Rey Pabayo Jr., the Commander of Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu, said that the series of encounters in the province has been the result of growing support of the civilians to the AFP who are now tired of the atrocities committed by the ASG in their communities.
"The Joint Task Force Sulu, together with the local populace, remain steadfast with our mandate of bringing lasting peace in this part of our country," Pabayo said.