The grandson of Abu Sayyaf Group leader Radullan Sahiron was killed in a pursuit operation launched by the military in Sulu.
Acting on reliable information, troops of the Joint Task Force Sulu conducted pursuit operation to intercept two ASG members on board a motorcycle in Barangay Bilaan, Talipao, Sulu at 9:45 p.m. of April 18.
Troops were then fired upon by the two, which forced the soldiers to retaliate and pursue the fleeing terrorists.
While still in pursuit, troops recovered the remains of one of the ASG members left lying dead by his comrade in Barangay Lambana.
The neutralized terrorist was identified as a.k.a. Vikram.
“Vikram is an IED maker and involved during the Jolo Cathedral and 1st Brigade Combat Team bombings,” said Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Joint Task Force Sulu commander.
“He was also involved in the encounter with the 21st Infantry Battalion,” Vinluan added.
No soldier was harmed during the operation.
“Then again, this successful operation proves that the direct involvement of the communities would put up pressure on the Abu Sayyaf and constrict their movements as well,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, WestMinCom commander.
“May you continue to feed us with reliable information as we beef up our operations to run down terror groups and end discord and instability in our area of operation,” Sobejana added.
Vikram’s body was brought to Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital for proper disposition.
The ASG has ties to Islamic State militants seeking to set up a caliphate in Southeast Asia.
On Friday, the group killed 11 soldiers and wounded 14 others in its deadliest attack in over a year, the military said.
