The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper
Troops recover ammo, gun parts in Basilan
BASILAN - Government troops pursuing Abu Sayyaf terrorists in the troubled province of Basilan have recovered ammunition for machine gun, gun parts and assorted bandoliers, including a uniform of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
Soldiers from the 18th Infantry Battalion and members of the 5th Scout Ranger Battalion, 4th Special Forces Battalion and the 12th Division Reconnaissance Company were deployed in the hinterlands of Ungkaya Pukan town where the war materiel was found.
Among those seized by soldiers was a rocket propelled grenade launcher, a shot gun, 40mm rifle grenade, and a radio transceiver.
“Operating troops continue to scour the area to ensure that all war materials are recovered and safely kept,” said Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, commander of the Joint Task Force Basilan.
Abu Sayyaf terrorists raided an army post of the 18th Infantry Battalion and killed three soldiers in a daring attack Thursday, September 15, in the town of Al-barka, about 21 kilometers from Ungkaya Pukan.
The raiders led by Abaas Jangkatan attacked the detachment at Hill 50 in the village of Magcawa. The terrorists fled after the attack, but troops were sent to pursue the raiders. It was not immediately known whether the Abu Sayyaf carted the soldiers’ weapons or not.
Jangkatan was among over a dozen notorious Abu Sayyaf terrorists condemned and declared “persona no grata” by leaders of nine villages in Lamitan City and Tipo-tipo town in October 2019.
The other terrorists were Adzuan Kajing, Boga Aya, Botak Kerok, Ernie Arasal, Iba Anjabin, Tonton Anjabin, Said Lahaman, Kamat Arasal, Jerwin Sahasal, Jimmy Asmawil, Jerry Harain, Nul Akil, Abdul Akil, Madeh Akil and Nur Asao. According to the 18th Infantry Battalion, the group of Jangkatan is involved in atrocities in the different parts of the province and is also involved in the illegal drug trade. (Mindanao Examiner)