ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Government security troops discovered a camp believed used by Abu Sayyaf bandits during a pursuit operation in Patikul, Sulu on Thursday night, security officials reported on Friday.
Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, chief of the Joint Task Group Sulu, said soldiers of the Army’s 35th Infantry Battalion (IB) were pursuing the militants they earlier encountered in Barangay Bungkaong.
Arrojado said the soldiers discovered the camp in Sitio Pangi, Barangay Latih and arrested two civilians identified as Dakang Jomala, 58, and Rogpin Samlani Lim, 21.
The troops recovered two motorcycles, hammocks, a solar panel, water containers, an ISIS-inspired flag, materials for making improvised explosive devices and documents.
The civilians were brought to the headquarters of the 35th IB for questioning.