3 more Abus killed in sustained offensives by AFP in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Three more bodies of Abu Sayyaf members were discovered yesterday, as casualties of the bandit group rose to eight in sustained offensives by Joint Task Force Sulu (JTFS), the Armed Forces of the Philippines - Western Mindanao Command (AFP-WestMinCom) reported.

WestMinCom Spokesman Army Capt Jo-Ann Petinglay said hot pursuit operations launched by Marine troops against the group of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) sub-leader Alhabsi Misaya in the hinterlands of Sitio Talok Talok, Capual, Sulu resulted in another round of armed confrontations that increased the number of enemy casualties to eight.

Misaya is a sub-leader of the ASG based in Indanan, Sulu with more or less 40 followers.

Petinglay said among those ASG members killed were Karra Kinod, Asbiali Ijiram, Bari Rabah and Hassan Angkong, all of whom have standing warrants of arrest.

The soldiers also recovered two grenade rifles; 145 rounds of 7.62 live ammunition; 12 rounds of 5.56 live ammunition; six assorted suspenders with magazine pouch; assorted camouflage; and uniforms with digitized print.

JTFS continues to conduct scouring and pursuit operations on the fleeing ASG members.

Naval blockades and maritime security patrols are now on standby in the waters off Capual Island.

“Military operations are currently being intensified to contain the ASG and facilitate the possible rescue of hostages in the hinterlands of Sulu,” said WestMinCom Commander Maj. Gen. Carlito G. Galvez, Jr.

Last Tuesday, five members of the ASG were killed, while another was captured by government forces in a 20minute encounter in Sitio Talok Talok, Capual, Sulu.

Petinglay said while the ASG casualties have been mounting, the government has recorded none from among its ranks.