Army ‘carefully’ pursues Abu Sayyaf to Al Barka

1st Infantry Division spokesman Capt. Albert Caber said Sunday that some of the Abu Sayyaf elements encountered during last Thursday's bloddy firefight have fled to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front held area of Al Barka.

 

Caber explained that the ASG unit, which officials had earlier estimated to number 60 fighters, had splintered into several groups.

 

“The ASG fled to various areas, some of them went to Al Barka…Our government forces are continuing with their pursuit operations, focusing on ASG targets,” said Caber. 

 

Caber said government troops are “careful” in their conduct of pursuit operation as a number of Moro Islamic Liberation Front units are known to operate in Al Barka town.   

The Philippine Army fought an engagement against the MILF at Al Barka in October 2011, resulting in the death of 19 soldiers. Reports said that about 100 ASG fighters had reinforced the MILF in that encounter. 

 

The MILF has denied collaborating with the Abu Sayyaf. 

 

Shifted to Basilan

 

Caber reported that two army infantry battalions are to reinforce Basilan. The bulk of the Army’s 64th Infantry Battalion had arrived in Basilan from Lanao del Sur Saturday night with the18th Infantry Battalion set to be shifted in a month's time to Basilan from Zamboanga Sibugay.

 

Caber said 80 percent of the personnel and equipment of the 64th IB arrived in Basilan aboard a C-130 plane and Navy assets. The remaining 20 percent are set to arrive in the coming days. 

 

A battalion has about 500 officers and men.

 

“They [the additional troops] are to support the troops [already in Basilan] to facilitate development in the province. They are also expected to be involved in pursuit operations against the bandits, those who are sowing violence,” said Caber. — DVM, GMA News