Government troops engaged a group of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members in Daho, Talipao, Sulu Friday, July 9, nearly a week after the horrific C-130 military plane crash which killed more than 50 Armed Forces personnel.
Scout Rangers engaged 20 ASG members under sub-leaders Mundi Sawadjaan and Ellam Nasirin in a firefight in Barangay Limping Pigi Daho.
After the smoke cleared, troops found the body of a slain terrorist. His cadaver was brought to the Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Jolo, Sulu for identification.
Troops also dismantled an Abu Sayyaf lair that can accommodate around 20 persons. Soldiers found 14 hammocks, personal, and food items in the area.
Earlier that day, residents reported having spotted laminated sacks fashioned as tents. This prompted troops from the 5th Scout Ranger Battalion to proceed to the area where they engaged the group of bandits in a firefight.
Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., Armed Forces Western Mindanao commander, said soldiers are continuing their operations to put more pressure on the bandits.
The encounter was the first that happened after a plane crash which killed more than 50 soldiers and injured dozens.