GOVERNMENT FORCES encountered on Monday morning about 70 members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), led by sub-leaders Idang Susukan and Almujer Yadah, while conducting rescue operations for hostages, including Police Officer 2 (PO2) Benierose Alvarez and PO1 Dinah Gumahad. Three ASG members reportedly got killed and were immediately buried by their comrades while seven soldiers from the 21st Infantry Brigade of Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu were wounded, the military reported. “JTF Sulu forces will not stop its focus military operations until all [hostages] are safely rescued and the ASG’s strength is reduced to insignificant level,” said Brigadier General Cirilito E. Sobejana, JTF Sulu. The two police officers were abducted on April 29 in Patikul, Sulu along with two other civilians. — Minde Nyl R. dela Cruz

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR