TWO suspected members of a kidnap-for-ransom-group (KFRG) linked with the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) were killed in a firefight with government forces in Tawi-Tawi, the military reported Monday, May 4.
Colonel Arturo Rojas, commander of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi, said the firefight happened Sunday, May 3, while the joint marines and police forces were conducting law enforcement operation in Taruk village, Tandubas, Tawi-Tawi.
Rojas said the firefight lasted for about 10 minutes and resulted in the death of two KFRG gunmen, whose remains were recovered by the troops.
Rojas said they were identified as Jul Haber and Kamsel Ampang.
He said Haber was also engaged in illegal drug trade in Tandubas. His cohort, Odin Masihul, was killed in an anti-drug operation on November 20, 2019 in Sitio Pahapatan in Baldatal Islam village, Sapa-Sapa, Tawi-Tawi.
He said the troops recovered one M-16 rifle with scope, 123 rounds of 5.56-mm live ammunition, six short alloy magazines of M-16 rifle, three long magazines of M-16 rifle, one rifle grenade, one suspender, five plastic sachets made of straw, one plastic sachet of shabu, and other drug paraphernalia.
The remains of Haber and Ampang were turned over to the Tandubas municipal police station for proper disposition.
Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), has directed the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi to continue the collaboration with the other law enforcement agencies in the fight against terrorism and criminalities, and work for a peaceful community.
Sobejana extended his congratulatory message to the marine troops and police counterparts for a job well done. (SunStar Zamboanga)