Abu Sayyaf member killed, brother of sub-leader wounded in continued military operations in Sulu

A MEMBER of the kidnap-for-ransom group Abu Sayyaf was killed while a brother of a sub-leader was wounded in two encounters Saturday morning in remote parts of Sulu, the military reported. Brig. Gen. Divino Rey C. Pabayo, Jr., head of Joint Task Force Sulu (JTF) under the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), said troops retrieved the remains of Rakib Dahsul, a follower of sub-leader Apoh Mike. Meanwhile, Jaber, brother of sub-leader Idang Susukan, was reported to have been “seriously wounded” in the gunfight with the soldiers. The sub-groups of both Apoh Mike and Susukan are known kidnapping operatives of the Abu Sayyaf, which has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State. The military also recovered two M16 rifles, magazines, and ammunition from the retreating Abu Sayyaf groups. “Deliberate offensives against terrorists will be launched by the JTF Sulu to debilitate and inflict more casualties on the adversary,” Lt. Gen. Arnel B. Dela Vega, WestMinCom commander, said in a statement. — Vince Angelo C. Ferreras