Troops rescue wife, 2 children of ASG member

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Government troops have rescued three people, including two children, who were trapped during a recent firefight in Sulu, a top military official said Wednesday.

Rear Admiral Rene Medina, Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) chief, identified the rescued individuals as Manah Solaiman, 27 and her two daughters, who were aged 7 and 2.

Medina said they were rescued on Saturday on Minis Island, Patikul, Sulu, the site of the recent clash between Marine troops and Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits.

Seven ASG bandits and a soldier were killed while three other soldiers were wounded during the December 12 firefight when the troops launched an amphibious operation on Minis Island, Patikul.

Medina said troops from the Naval Task Group Sulu and Philippine Marine Ready Force-Sulu were conducting clearing operation when they rescued Solaiman and her two daughters in a mangrove area of Minis Island.

The mother and her children were immediately provided with food and water and taken to the Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital for medical check-up and proper assistance.

Based on the military interview with her, Manah said she and her two daughters were trapped when the firefight broke out on December 12, prompting them to hide in the mangrove area.

Manah bared that she is the wife of ASG member Jackie Solaiman alias Jackie Chan.

Medina said the Fleet-Marine troops will continue to intensify focused military operations to pre-empt any attacks by the ASG and other lawless groups. (PNA)