AN ALLEGED sub-leader of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and a cousin of bomb maker Mundi Sawadjaan was killed in an encounter in Patikul, Sulu on Monday morning, September 28, 2020.

Arsibar Sawadjaan, who was also allegedly a bomb maker for ASG, was killed in a firefight between the 45th Infantry Battalion and ASG at around 9 a.m. Monday in Barangay Maligay in Patikul, according to the Joint Task Force Sulu.

Lieutenant Colonel Ronaldo Mateo, Joint Task Force Sulu spokesperson, said about 40 ASG men led by Radulan Sahiron and Mundi Sawadjaan engaged the troops in a firefight.

Mateo said “focused pursuit operations” against the ASG have weakened the terrorist group.

The military is also working with Patikul Mayor Kabir Hayudini in ongoing peace and development efforts.

Sawadjaan’s cousin was killed a day after Hashim Saripada, allegedly Sawadjaan’s right hand, was arrested in Zamboanga City.

Troops have also seized the lair used by Sawadjaan's group.

Last week, 10 ASG members surrendered to the military in Sulu.

On August 13, 2020, ASG leader Idang Susukan was arrested in Davao City. (Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo/SunStar Philippines)