29 Apr 14 Abu Sayyaf Killed, Military Hot Pursuit Continues
Image Source | philippines-news.info
Thursday, April 28, 14 Abu Sayyaf rebels killed in a coordinated airstrike by the Philippine Military around Mt. Sinumaan in Patikul, Sulu.
MG 520 Defender attack helicopters, Huey choppers, and OV-10 Bronco light attack aircraft is used by the military to initiate the bombardment.
Simultaneously, they are are also in hot pursuit of claiming the 3 hostages in Samal that has been abducted 7 months ago, 18 Indonesian and Malaysian sailors that have been held captive last month, and a bird watcher who are under the Abu Sayyaf’s possession since 2012.
Military spokesperson Col. Noel Detoyato said that “As a result of the bombardments… they were able to occupy the former places occupied by the Abu Sayyaf that resulted in the recovery of Ridsdel’s torso,”
John Ridsdel is the Canadian citizen that has been decapitated by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) four days ago before the bombardment.
The reported 14 bandits that have been killed is yet to be confirmed in the tally since the figure has been only reported by the residents as the troops went ground to survey the area.
“What is important here is that operations are continuing and we are gaining headway and our troops are determined,” said Detoyato. This is a sign of the development in the military offensive drive to capture Abu Sayyaf commander Radullan Sahiron.
Yet, even one hostage has not been seen in the area where the assault took place. The ASG is also missing in the area and is believed to have escaped before the military went ground.
The attack that has been started last Saturday does not limit in the air, ground attacks are also active using the 105mm howitzers of the Philippine Military.
Despite the progress in the operations, Detoyato also confirmed that there are indeed casualties in their troops.
Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda, the acting chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, together with the army chief, Lt. Gen. Eduardo Año, visited Jolo last Wednesday to examine the procedures made against the ASG.
The Spokesperson for the AFP Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said, “Troops are hot on the trail of the kidnap-for-ransom group on the island, aiming to rescue the remaining hostages.”
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