Military recovers body of Abu Sayyaf gunman slain in Sulu Sea clash

The body of one of the seven suspected Abu Sayyaf gunmen killed during an encounter in the Sulu Sea on Tuesday was recovered on Saturday afternoon, according to the Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu.

In a statement, the JTF Sulu said special forces, municipal police, and local fishermen recovered the body with gunshot wounds in Barangay Kangalan, Tapul at 2 p.m.

"Based on our initial investigation and dental forensics we believe that the body found is Dave Sawadjaan. It is possible that some of the cadavers have also resurfaced,” Major General William Gonzales, JTF Sulu Commander, said.

“This is a major development and our troops will continue the search and retrieval operations,” he added.

According to the Western Mindanao Command, two of the seven bandits were believed to be brothers of Mundi Sawadjaan.

Gonzales previously said that air and naval assets were being used in the search and retrieval operation.

"We will use all our available air, naval, and ground assets to neutralize these local terrorists. This particular achievement is a result of our united efforts with the people of Sulu particularly our Tausug brothers in bringing lasting peace and development in the province of Sulu," Gonzales said.

Dave Sawadjaan is the nephew of Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, and the brother of the late deceased Urot member under Hatib Hajan, and a cousin og Mundi Sawadjaan, according to JTF Sulu public information officer Lieutenant Jerrica Angela Manongdo.

Dave had a gunshot wound in the stomach, and the bullet exited in the hip, Manongdo added. —DVM/KG, GMA News