ADVERTISEMENT
Army says pursuit ops launched over ambush of South Upi mayor’s convoy
The 57th Infantry Battalion has launched a pursuit operation against members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) who allegedly ambushed the convoy of South Upi Mayor Reynalbert Insular last Sunday.
In a statement, the Philippine Army said the ambush in Sitio Sucob led to the death of 22-year-old Thelmo Sase and the wounding of John Andrew Tumbaga, 30, Ernesto Bebang, 50, Christian King Sase, 22, and Leonard Betita, 23.
“The convoy… was ambushed by BIFF at about 2:15 pm at Brgy. Pandan while on their way to Poblacion, South Upi from Barangay Itaw all of the same Municipality,” said Major General Juvymax Uy, Commander of 6th Infantry Division.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Mayor Insular came from Brgy. Itaw for the conduct of relief operations for families displaced due to harassment of BIFF last December 31,” he added.
The mayor was not hurt in the incident.
“Military reinforcements were sent to the area to pursue BIFF attackers,” Uy said.
Combatants from the 57th Infantry have attacked the BIFF’s locations in Barangay Pandan, according to the Army. — Julia Mari Ornedo/BM, GMA News