THE military’s Joint Task Force Sulu (JTFS) stepped-up its tactical offensive against the Abu Sayyaf bandits in the island province of Sulu, military officials said Friday, March 8.
Brigadier General Divino Rey Pabayo, Jr., JTFS commander, said they monitored and validated that Abu Sayyaf leaders Radulan Sahiron and Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan are consolidating forces at sitios Agas-Agas and Limasan in Kabbon Takas village, Patikul, Sulu.
Pabayo said the Philippine Air Force conducted bomb runs around 6:40 a.m. Friday targeting some 200 combined forces of Sahiron and Sawadjaan.
He said the bomb runs were launched before the Abu Sayyaf bandits could carry out whatever terroristic action “they are planning which I believe something big as they have consolidated such number of followers.”
Pabayo said they have yet to be determine the result of the air strike “as clearing operations are still being conducted.”
He said they will never lose focus in hunting down the Abu Sayyaf bandits who had been wreaking havoc in Sulu.
“It would be better for them to surrender than be hunted as fleeing criminals of the society,” he added.
“As we build up the offensives against the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu, the safety of our troops is at risk. In this regard, we ask everyone to please offer prayers for our valiant soldiers that they will be spared and be able to return home victoriously,” said Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command chief. (SunStar Philippines)