ILIGAN CITY – A Dawlah Islamiya-Abu Sayaff Group (DI-ASG) member was killed in a joint law enforcement operations in Sitio Tubigsina, Barangay La Paz, Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay, at dawn Sunday, September 6.
Military forces, together with the Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Police Office, raided the suspected hideout of Furuji Indama, a DI-ASG Basilan-based leader, who had a standing warrant of arrest for his involvement in the Dos Palmas, Palawan kidnapping incident in 2001.
A series of encounters ensued between the government forces and the ASG, which resulted in the wounding of two soldiers, and scores of casualties on the ASG side.
The military's 44th Infantry Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Don Templonuevo, averred that his unit received reports from the civilians in the area that suspicious persons were frequently staying in the area, which prompted him to launch a joint law enforcement operations together with the PNP.
"We immediately launched the operation to prevent these terrorists to undertake their evil motives in the community," Templonuevo said.
In a statement, 102nd Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, who has operational jurisdiction of Zamboanga Sibugay, emphasized that terrorism had no place in the Zamboanga Peninsula.
"Through the continued intensified coordination, collaboration and cooperation with our PNP counterparts, the army will ensure that terrorism will have no place here in Zamboanga Peninsula," Nicolas added.
During the clearing operation, the body of a certain Idris Aquilon, a known close associate of Indama and a member of the notorious Sahibad Group, was discovered together with various ammunition and explosives.
Three civilians were also wounded during the clash and were immediately evacuated to the nearest hospital for medical treatment.
The provincial and municipal governments are taking care and helping the families of the civilian casualties during their treatment.
Meanwhile, 1st Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Generoso 'Gene' Ponio, encouraged the public to stay calm and remain vigilant thus saying "the public has nothing to fear because our troops on the ground are on top of the situation".
"However, we enjoin everyone to remain vigilant in their surroundings and report to proper authorities suspicious individuals that may take advantage of the COVID-19 crisis situation to sow fear and terror among the peace-loving people of Zamboanga Peninsula," Ponio stated.