Abu leader's kin neutralized in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Amid the conduct of focused military operation, troops of the 41st Infantry Battalion encountered more or less 40 Abu Sayyaf Group members under Almujer Yadah, Ben Tattoh, and Apo Mike in Sitio Tubig Pansol, Barangay Langhub, Patikul, Sulu at 11:39am Tuesday.

Heavy firefight ensued which lasted for 20 minutes, after which, enemies scampered to different directions allowing the troops to overrun the enemy encampment that can accommodate at least 40 individuals.

Additionally, a dead body and one AK47 were also recovered in the encounter site.

Soldiers identified the neutralized terrorist as Nanz Sawadjaan, the younger brother of ASG sub-leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan. He was one of the ASG’s bomb experts who produced the Improvised Explosive Devices used in the recent suicide bombing incidents in Sulu.

The firefight also resulted in the wounding of two soldiers who are currently recuperating at the Camp Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Jolo, Sulu.

“The neutralization of Nanz Sawadjaan is a great loss on the Abu Sayyaf. His demise will debilitate the current strategy employed by the group in creating havoc in the province,” said Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander of Joint Task Force Sulu.

Troops are still conducting pursuit operation to neutralize the fleeing terrorists.

“Our troops remain persistent in tracking down and neutralizing the remaining terrorists in Sulu,” Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said.

“The successful operations of our troops are also attributed to the local community who feeds information, directing our troops to the terrorists’ location,” added Lt. Gen. Sobejana.