FIVE more Abu Sayyaf extremists were killed in Sulu as the military pressed its operation, which has moved from the towns of Patikul to Talipao to Maimbung over the weekend.
“Once we have started it, we have to finish it,” Col. Cirilito Sobejana, the recently-appointed commander of Joint Task Force Sulu, said as he vowed no letup in military operation against the Abu Sayyaf.
“So far, we have killed 14 Abu Sayyaf terrorists, body count. On our side, we suffered 30 wounded in action but their wounds are superficial,” Sobejana said. “My soldiers were hit by shrapnel from M203 grenade launchers.”
Sobejana said “artillery fire from 105mm howitzers are being used to pound the retreating Abu Sayyaf. This is being supplemented by aerial fire delivered by the Air Force and naval gunfire from the Philippine Navy.”
Among those killed was Jaber Susukan, brother of ASG sub-leader Idang Susukan, who was critically wounded during the fierce fight that took place at the outskirts of Maimbung, Sulu at around 5 a.m.
Last week, two relatives of ASG leader Radullan Sahiron were also killed in a clash in Patikul, Sulu.
Another four ASG bandits were killed while seven high-powered firearms were in clashes in Talipao Sunday early morning.
The death toll in the continuing anti-terrorist campaign by the government rose to 19 since the bloody encounter commenced last Feb. 26 following the beheading of German hostage Jurgen Kantner.
Sobejana said the death toll is expected to rise after government forces practically surrounded a large group of ASG bandits in the jungle slopes of Maimbung town.
“More casualties are expected. We have somehow restrict them. They are still inside. However, the troops are facing obstacles due to rugged terrain and waist-deep mud along their route,” Sobejana said.
Sobejana is optimistic Marines would eventually pushed to reach ASG positions deep in the jungles although there was a lull in the fighting Monday.
“Actually, everybody operates under the JTF Sulu. We are doing it simultaneously and we are occupying spaces in order to reduce the maneuvering space of the enemy,” Sobejana said.
“We are holding their strongholds, They are outside of their comfort zones, “Sobejana said adding they could easily detect their presence as “they do not enjoy community support.”