Offensive vs Sayyaf in Basilan on full blast

ZAMBOANGA CITY , Philippines  – Government forces mounted a “full blast” offensive against the Abu Sayyaf group after Basilan Gov. Jum Akbar gave a signal to wipe out in the province the militants after it executed three civilian hostages last week, an official said yesterday.

Combined forces from Marines, Army Scout Rangers, police combat troops are now on hot pursuit operation in the mountains of Sumisip, an area where the Abu Sayyaf fled following initial encounter last week, according to Senior Superintendent Antonio Mendoza, Basilan provincial police commander.

 “We are on full blast operation against the Abu Sayyaf group in the area right now,” Mendoza said.

However, Mendoza said no engagement happened since the operation was mounted yesterday morning citing the militants led by Abu Sayyaf leader Puruji Indama have been on the run.

The Abus, led by Indama, executed through firing squad captives cooperative worker Claudio Mañanita, 32; parlor attendants Rolando Francisco Jr., 23, and Dariel Quintella, 23, in Barangay Sukaten, Sumisip town.

They fired at two other civilians killing one and wounding another on the same day as they withdrew from the village. The slain victim was identified as Usman Sababon, while the survivor who was wounded was Sahimin Asikil.

Akbar, who condemned the attack on the innocent civilians, urged government forces to finish off the Abu Sayyaf group as it continued to threaten the stability of the province and affect its socio-economic growth.

“Our patience have been tested here. If they will not surrender the government forces will deal with them accordingly,” Akbar said.