By NONOY LACSON
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Soldiers, engaged in an armed confrontation with undetermined number of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) gunmen in Sulu on Friday, recovered a high-powered firearm and ammunitions as the military intensify its campaign against the terrorists group in the province.
Armed Forces of the Philippines – Western Mindanao Command (AFP-WesMinCom) spokesman Army Lt. Col. Gerry M Besana said soldiers of the 6th Special Forces Company, 2nd Special Forces Battalion under the Joint Task Force Sulu were conducting a Special Reconnaissance Direct Action patrol and chanced upon a group of ASG in the vicinity of Barangay Angilan, Omar, Sulu on Friday morning.
Exchange of sporadic gun fires immediately ensued for a few minutes before the enemies withdrew toward southeast direction of the village, Besana said.
No casualty was reported on the government side while on the enemy side it is yet to be determined, according to him.
Besana added that during the clearing operation, troops recovered one M16A1 and one short magazine with 19 rounds of ammunitions.
“The Joint Task Force Sulu continues to intensify its campaign against the Abu Sayyaf with the support from the local government and the populace,” Besana said.
“The Command is right now at an advantage since the local government unit, the Moro National Liberation Front, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and the traditional leaders are helping government troops in fighting terrorism,” he said.
