By Rene V. Carbayas
ISABELA CITY, Basilan – The combined elements of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are now intensifying their operations against lawlessness in southern Philippines with the apprehension and neutralization of suspected Abu Sayyaf members.
The Western Mindanao Command based in Zamboanga City reported that a suspected member of Abu Sayyaf was killed with undetermined number wounded during an encounter with the government troops and Barangay Police Auxiliary Team (BPAT) at Barangay Long Kiaban, Talipao, Sulu last Febr. 14.
The encounter is said to be the result of the continuous Joint Law Enforcement Operation of the PNP, BPAT and AFP in close coordination with the Sulu Provincial Government which aims to wipe out lawless elements in the province of Sulu.
Marine Brigade spokesperson, Capt Ryan F Lacuesta PN(M), identified the slain Abu Sayyaf as Jul Asmin Sangkula. He said the clashes began early morning in Barangay Long Kiaban, Talipao when BPAT engaged the Abu Sayyaf Group while moving towards Mabahay, Talipao which were immediately reinforced by the government troops that left one ASG killed and several others were wounded, while minimal casualty from the BPAT and AFP was reported. The firefight lasted for about an hour.
The AFP together with the PNP and BPAT are still in pursuit operation to eliminate remaining identified lawless elements in the province of Sulu.
Meanwhile, another ASG member was apprehended recently in Basilan.
In a press release, the Western Mindanao Command reported that a combined operation conducted by the elements of PNP and supported by AFP in Basilan have apprehended a certain Kudairik Abdulla aka ABU ASSAD/BOBOY on March 5, 2014, around 1:30 p.m. at Lampinigan Island, Isabela City, Basilan.
Abdulla is a Basilan-based ASG member under the group of Isnilon Hapilon. He is a son of Nasirun Abdulla who is also an ASG member and brother of Bong Abdulla who was arrested in 2006 and killed during the Bicutan Siege.
The suspected ASG has a standing Warrant of Arrest with case no. 16668 for kidnapping and serious illegal detention with ransom issued by RTC-NCR, Judicial Region, Branch-69, Pasig City. He was also involved in the series of kidnappings at Dos Palmas Resort in 2011, Jeffrey Schilling and Tairan in 2001, Jehovah’s Witnesses in 2002, and Tumahubong kidnapping.
ABDULLA was immediately turned-over to Headquarters PRO-9 for custodial debriefing and appropriate disposition.
The successful operation was made possible through a close coordination between the AFP and the PNP on the ground. Both will continue with their intensified joint pursuit operations to hunt down on other lawless elements and criminals in order to reduce criminalities and eventually restore peace and order in the entire Mindanao.