NEUTRALIZED. Joint Task Force Sulu troops neutralize alias Abu Vikram, an explosive expert of the Abu Sayyaf Group, in a pursuit operation Saturday (April 18, 2020) in Barangay Bilaan, Talipao, Sulu. The troops launched the pursuit operation following the deadly clash that killed 11 soldiers last Friday. (Photo courtesy of Joint Task Force Sulu)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Government troops neutralized an Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) explosive expert involved in the deadly church and military camp bombings in the province of Sulu, officials said Monday.
Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, identified the slain ASG bandit as alias Abu Vikram, whose remains were abandoned by his comrade and recovered by the troops in Barangay Lambanah, Talipao, Sulu.
Vikram is the grandson of Radullan Sahiron, the most senior leader ASG in the province of Sulu, Vinluan said
Acting on reliable information, Vinluan said the troops launched a pursuit operation to intercept two ASG bandits aboard a motorcycle around 9:45 p.m. Saturday in Barangay Bilaan, Talipao.
He said two ASG bandits opened fire prompting the troops to return fire and pursue them as they flee. The troops recovered the remains of Vikram in Barangay Lambanah, Talipao.
Vikram, a bombmaker, was involved in the January 27, 2019 twin bombings of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Jolo, Sulu that killed 20 people and injured 102 others, the Army official said.
Vikram was also involved in the June 28, 2019 bomb attack of the tactical command post of the First Brigade Combat Team in Barangay Kajatian, Indanan, Sulu. Three soldiers and three civilians were killed during the incident.
Vinluan said Vikram was also involved in the clash Friday that resulted in the death of 11 soldiers and injured 13 others in Sitio Bud Lubong, Barangay Danag, Patikul.
Vikram's remains were brought to Camp General Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital for proper disposition.
“Then again, this successful operation proves that the direct involvement of the communities would put up pressure on the Abu Sayyaf and constrict their movements as well,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).
“May you continue to feed us with reliable information as we beef up our operations to run down terror groups and end discord and instability in our area of operation,” Sobejana added. (PNA)
