Gov't fatalities in Bohol clash with alleged Abu Sayyaf members rise to 4 

The number of government security forces killed in a firefight with suspected Abu Sayyaf members in Bohol Tuesday morning rose to four, police and military officials said.

In a joint press statement, Region 7 police director Chief Supt. Noli Taliño and Central Command commander Lt. Gen. Oscar Lactao lauded the local government and the people of Bohol for their “brave stand to defend themselves against the threat of terrorism.”

They said a police officer and three military personnel died in the operations. The government fatalities were identified as 2nd Lt. Estilito Saldua Jr, Cpl. Miljune Cajaban, Sgt. John Dexter Duero, and PO2 Rey Anthony Nazareno.

“Four of our brave troops, however, made the supreme sacrifice of giving their lives during the course of this operation. Their heroism will forever be engraved in the hearts of our people,” they said.

They said a joint inter-agency operation was conducted against suspected Abu Sayyaf members who reportedly entered the Visayas region by boat.

“Their movement, however, was monitored when their entered our area of responsibility... The exchange of fires broke out between the responding troops and the armed group at Brgy. Inabanga, Bohol at 5:20 a.m.,” they said.

They said government security forces recovered five bodies of suspected Abu Sayyaf members, three M16, and one M14 as of 1 p.m.

“At this moment, our combined forces are conducting clearing operations to resolve this incident in the soonest time possible,” he said. 

They added the incident showcased the strong cooperation between law enforcers, civilian government, and the community.

“The government security forces simply reinforced the vigilance of the Boholanos  who organized themselves into a strong force to keep the province safe from any threat group,” they said. — MDM, GMA News