Palace Confirms Another Abu Sayaff Leader Killed

The ongoing pursuit against the Abu Sayaff Group (ASG) resulted to the killing of another leader of the group, a Palace official confirmed on Sunday.

In an interview over radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan Sunday, Presidential Communication Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., said the ASG leader Sihata Latip died in an encounter with the combined police force and the military Saturday afternoon.

“Patunay lang po ito sa determinasyon ng pamahalaan na masabat at mapigil ang mga krimen na isinasagawa ng mga bandidong elemento katulad ng Abu Sayyaf Group sa lalawigan ng Sulu,” said Coloma.

According to Joint Task Group Sulu commander, Col. Alan Arrojado, the encounter happened Saturday at around 4:45pm in Baranggay Duyan Kaha, in Sulu when Latip resisted arrest.

A soldier was also killed while another was wounded during the gunfight.

Abu Sayyaf Group sub-leader Hairullah Asbang and eight other rebels were killed last November 14, after an encounter with government troops.

Coloma also encourages Sulo residents to continue cooperating with authorities.

“Hinihimok din natin ang kooperasyon ng ating mga mamamayan para mawakasan na po ang pag-iral ng krimen doon sa kanilang lalawigan,” said Coloma. PND (ag)

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