A JOINT task force on Friday claimed to have killed at least 20 Abu Sayyaf Group terrorists before dawn Thursday after government forces pounded a terrorist camp in Sumisip, Basilan.
“Heavy bloodstains were found in the vicinity, with intel reports saying 20 ASG [Abu Sayyaf Group] fatalities from the combined airstrikes and indirect fires,” said Col. Juvymax Uy of the Joint Task Force Basilan.
Military launched the operation following information from former Abu Sayyaf members and local residents on the group’s temporary encampment in Barangay Pamatsaken.
Lt. Col. Andrew Bacala Jr., commander of the 4th Special Forces, said through the use of “night fighting capabilities,” they were able to “inch within a hundred meters of the enemy under the cover of darkness.”
The troops were able to seize the makeshift camp at 10 a.m, said Bacala.
Two soldiers were wounded in the operation after the terrorists detonated an improvised explosive device.
The Abu Sayyaf group in the area was believed to be under sub-leader Furuji Indama.
Recovered from the seized camp were three more live IEDs, explosive components capable of making 30 IEDs, and several foodstuff.
Successive firefight followed as the Rangers caught up with the fleeing terrorists about 300 meters from their camp, Bacala said.
Naval Task Group Basilan conducted maritime operations to prevent the ASG from escaping by sea, Bacala said.
The ASG also got a taste of Philippine Air Force capability as jet fighters delivered their lethal payload, inflicting fatalities on the ASG.
“The ASG were so shocked they left their belongings and unfinished meal, a Special Forces team leader said.
