AN Abu Sayyaf member was killed while another member of the bandit group suspected of involvement in a suicide bombing in 2018 was reportedly injured in a clash with government troops in Tipo-Tipo town in Basilan last week.
Citing a belated report, Maj. Arvin Encinas, spokesman of the AFP Western Mindanao Command based in Zamboanga City, identified the slain Abu Sayyaf member as Pau Geh and the injured as Adzuan Kajing, alias Kawwang.
Encinas said the firefight between troops from the Army’s 18th Infantry Battalion and an undetermined number of Abu Sayyaf men occurred last Friday night during a combat operation in Sitio Bohe Selangan in Barangay Baguindan.
Encinas said the Abu Sayyaf withdrew after a three-minute firefight, leaving behind the body of Geh, a fragmentation grenade, three rounds of 40 mm grenade launcher ammunition, a Harris handheld radio, four cellphones, a power bank, two backpacks, a jungle hammock, food items and other personal belongings.
ce Basilan commander Brig. Gen. Fernando Reyeg said “we will pursue with our operation in tracking down the remaining threat groups in the province to attain lasting peace and development in Basilan.”
Wesmincom chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said military will continue to pursue its relentless campaign against the Abu Sayyaf even while it is involved in efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19.
“While our soldiers brave the danger brought about by the coronavirus, they also continue to risk their lives fighting for peace and security in their area of operations. Let us continue to pray for their safety and protection as they continue to spare us from the rudeness of the different threat groups,” said Sobejana.
