Soldiers and Abu Sayyaf Group members clashed anew in Sulu on June 23, according to Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom).
He said that while troops of the Joint Task Force Sulu and Patikul Municipal Police Station were conducting a law enforcement operation, they encountered more or less four Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members in Barangay Bangkal, Patikul, Sulu at past 11 p.m. Wednesday.
Brig. Gen. Benjamin Batara, 1102nd Infantry brigade commander, said the joint Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) troops were to serve a warrant of arrest for multiple counts of murder against Rudymar Habib Jihiran, AKA ‘Gulam,’ when they were fired upon by the ASG members.
“Gulam is an active member of the ASG and one of the close-in security of Radullan Sahiron. He is the husband of foreign terrorist fighter Sitti Aishya Rullie, AKA ‘Aishya’,” Batara said.
Based on the initial report, the firefight resulted in the death of an ASG member identified as AKA ‘Sawi’ while the others fled towards Bud Bangkal. Government forces also rescued one personality believed to be ‘Aishya.’
Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu commander Maj. Gen. William Gonzales said AKA ‘Sawi’ was an active ASG member under Basaron Arok, while Sitti Aishya Rullie is the daughter of the Jolo Cathedral Indonesian couple suicide bombers and sister of apprehended Indonesian foreign terrorist fighter Rezky Fantasya Rullie, AKA ‘Cici’ who is presently detained at the Sulu Provincial Jail.
Troops continue to pursue the fleeing enemies and the target.
Since January 2021, JTF Sulu has neutralized a total of 125 ASG members, 19 of whom were killed, 88 surrendered, and 18 apprehended.
“JTF Sulu will continue to conduct offensives to hunt and pound the remaining members of the Abu Sayyaf Group in the province,” Vinluan said.
“Rest assured that all measures are being undertaken in accordance with the rules of engagement and with the support from the local government and the populace,” he added.
### (Wesmincom PIO) – jlo
