ZAMBOANGA CITY – At least seven members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) died when their watercraft sank following air and sea strikes conducted by government forces at dawn Tuesday.
Armed Force of the Philippines- Western Mindanao Command (AFP-WestMinCom) Commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. said the military operation was targeting ASG members under senior ASG leaders Mundi Sawadjaan and Radullan Sahiron who linked to kidnap-forransom activities.
Vinluan revealed that an all-out offensive operations against the ASG are continuously being conducted by soldiers from the Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu to contain the terrorists and thwart their ruthless plans.
JTF Sulu Commander Maj. Gen William Gonzales said the air and sea strikes that started at about 1:42 a.m. Tuesday resulted in a 25-minute battle that resulted in the sinking of the ASSG boat.
In his report to Vinluan, Gonzales said the ASG were planning to conduct kidnapping activities in mainland Mindanao.
“Search and retrieval operations were conducted utilizing our air and naval assets in the area of engagement but has failed to retrieve bodies of the ASG at the deep seas of Sulu,” Gonzales said.
“We will use all our available air, sea, and ground assets to neutralize these local terrorists,” Gonzales emphasized.
The success of the operations was a result of our united efforts with the people of Sulu, particularly our Tausug brothers, in bringing lasting peace and development in the province of Sulu, Gonzales added. (With a report from Martin Sadongdong)