Military takes hold of Abu Sayyaf arms cache in Sulu

TROOPS found an arms cache of the Abu Sayyaf group in Patikul, Sulu on March 26 as military pursuit operations continue against the bandit group. The Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) reported that among the items retrieved from the hideout were a 60 mm mortar, two M16 rifles, bandoliers with magazines, improvised explosive device paraphernalia, flags with ISIS markings, a military map, a handheld radio, and a night vision monocular. Following the discovery, soldiers tracked some of the group’s members and a 30-minute gunfight ensued. WestMinCom said there were no reported casualties among the soldiers. “We remain resolute in crumbling terrorist groups to address security threats and to pave the way for stability in Mindanao,” said Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela B. Vega, WestMinCom commander, “Rest assured that we will fulfill our mandate of securing the area of responsibility by ending insurgency to pave the way for development here.”