ILIGAN CITY – Two members of the Abu Sayyaf Group were killed in an encounter in Sumisip, Basilan on Tuesday, June 6.
Joint Task Force Basilan acting commander Col. Frederick Sales identified them as “Dodong,” a member of the Sulu-based Daulah Islamiyah-ASG under sub-leader Mudzrimar Sawadjaan, alias “Mundi,” and “Boy” under Basilan-based ASG under sub-leader Pasil Bayali, alias “Kera.”
Sales said a focused military operation was conducted by the Joint Task Force Basilan in Sitio Talisay, Barangay Upper Benembengan, Sumisip targeting Swadjaan and Bayali.
A clash broke out and the bodies of Dodong and Boy were recovered in a clearing operation in Barangay Pamatsaken, Sumisip.
Their bodies were turned over to the chairman of Barangay Upper Benembengan and Sumisip police for proper disposition.
The military said there is no letup in the campaign against the ASG.
“Your Armed Forces will not stop its military operations until the terror groups are completely crushed. We have highly motivated and committed forces currently deployed to eliminate the threats and secure the communities in Basilan,” Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, commander of the Western Mindanao Command, said.
Over the weekend, the military rescued an Indonesian teenager identified as the son of Jolo Cathedral suicide bomber, Abbang Rullie, from the clutches of Mundi in Sumisip.