ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) has strongly condemned the barbaric acts of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits after they attacked innocent civilians in the province of Sulu.
Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, Westmincom chief, made the condemnation Monday after the ASG bandits attacked a community that resulted to the death of two innocent children.
The incident occurred late Saturday in Barangay Igasan, Patikul, Sulu.
“We strongly condemn the barbaric act of the Abu Sayyaf. There is no place for such barbarism in our region,” Dela Vega said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families of the innocent children,” Dela Vega added.
Col. Gerry Besana, Westmincom information officer, identified the slain children as Saiful Abdun, one and Jahid Usab, 12.
Besana said that six ASG bandits were killed while 15 others wounded as firefight ensued when troops of the Army’s 6th Special Forces Battalion, who were conducting Community Support Program (CSP) activities, immediately responded and “ferociously fought back to prevent the ASG from causing more destruction.”
Besana said the 15 wounded consisted of five soldiers, three civilians, and seven ASG bandits based on the report of the residents.
Besana said the troops rescued three injured children, who were caught in the crossfire, adding the military also assisted the residents to temporarily vacate the area “so as not to be caught in the middle of crossfires.”
He said the wounded soldiers and civilians are currently recuperating at Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Jolo, Sulu. (PNA)
