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Flags in AFP camps at half-mast after death of 11 troops

By Priam Nepomuceno

April 18, 2020, 9:01 am

<p><strong>AFP MOURNS 11 SOLDIERS</strong>. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson, Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, said in a statement on Friday night (April 17, 2020) that all military camps in the country would fly their flags at half-mast. This is in honor of the 11 soldiers who were killed in an encounter with Abu Sayyaf terrorists in Sulu on Friday afternoon. <em>(PNA file photo by Priam F. Nepomuceno)</em></p>

AFP MOURNS 11 SOLDIERS. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson, Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, said in a statement on Friday night (April 17, 2020) that all military camps in the country would fly their flags at half-mast. This is in honor of the 11 soldiers who were killed in an encounter with Abu Sayyaf terrorists in Sulu on Friday afternoon. (PNA file photo by Priam F. Nepomuceno)

MANILA – Flags in all military camps across the country will be flown at half-mast in honor of the 11 soldiers who were killed in an encounter with Abu Sayyaf terrorists in Sulu province on Friday afternoon.

"The entire AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) mourns today, 17 April 2020, and our flags in all military camps around the country will be flown at half-mast as 11 Army heroes offered their lives at past 3 p.m. to protect and defend the people of Sulu," AFP spokesperson, Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, said in a statement forwarded to reporters on Friday night.

He was referring to the operation of the Delta Company, 21st Infantry Battalion in Sitio Bud Lubong, Barangay Danag, Patikul, Sulu whose members encountered an estimated 40 Abu Sayyaf Group terrorists led by Radullan Sahiron and Hatib Hadjan Sawadjaan.

The firefight lasted for one hour and resulted in the death of 11 soldiers and the wounding of 14 other troopers.

"This pursuit operation followed two major encounters the previous days where our soldiers inflicted heavy casualties to the enemy (killed and wounded) in both armed engagements. High-powered firearms were also seized by our operating units," Arevalo said.

He said the encounter exemplifies the role of the AFP and its personnel in protecting the state and the people against all forms of threat.

"While the entire nation is grappling with (the) Covid-19 (coronavirus disease) pandemic, our troopers are in the forefront as the government’s arm to prevent the spread of the dreaded disease on the one hand while in the other, they are battling this terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group," Arevalo said, adding that operations against the group were ongoing, according to 11th Infantry Division commander, Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan.

Meanwhile, he said AFP Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Felimon Santos Jr., has condoled with the families of the fallen soldiers.

"He ensures that all necessary assistance will be extended to their loved ones," Arevalo said. (PNA)

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