Keep Abus on the run – AFP chief

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Armed Forces chief Gen. Hernando Iriberri yesterday ordered ground troops in Sulu and Basilan to keep Abu Sayyaf bandits on the run.

Iriberri issued the directive after two Philippine Coast Guard personnel held captive by the Abu Sayyaf escaped amid heavy clashes with the military in Indanan, Sulu late Wednesday afternoon.

“My command guidance is for our forces to continue to make their area of responsibility inhospitable to lawless elements and the Abu Sayyaf group,” Iriberri, who came here to assess the military operations and visit the soldiers wounded in the firefight, said in chance interview.  

 “The result of the operation was good. Relentless operations continued not only in Sulu but also in Basilan,” he added.

Iriberri commended Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero and members of Joint Task Group Sulu led by Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado for the success of the military offensive.

SN 2 Gringo Villaruz and SN 1 Rod Allain Pagaling escaped at the height of the assault by members of the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion led by Lt. Col. Eugene Boquio against about 100 Abu Sayyaf bandits.

Guerrero said at least 15 Abu Sayyaf members were killed and seven soldiers were wounded in the encounter.

The Abu Sayyaf is still holding nine hostages, including Dutch birdwatcher Elwold Horns, Malaysian Thien Nyuk Fun, Cambodian Bernard Then Ted Fen, Korean businessman Noui Hong Sung, Japanese Toshio Ito, and Mayor Gemma Adana of Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay.