ZAMBOANGA CITY – Guns fell silent on Sunday as the military mourned the deaths of five soldiers killed in ferocious battle with Abu Sayyaf rebels in the southern Filipino province of Sulu.
More than two dozen soldiers were also wounded in Friday’s clashes in the hinterlands of Talipao, a known lair of the Abu Sayyaf tagged as behind the spate of terrorism and kidnappings in the restive southern region. At least 25 rebels were killed and wounded in the clashes, officials said.
Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, led military officials in giving honor to the slain soldiers, two of them – Joey Blanche and Gabby Achas, both private first class – were transported to their provinces on Sunday, according to military spokesperson, Marine Captain Maria Rowena Muyuela.
“Troops honored the slain soldiers and we sent their bodies to their respective provinces,” she told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
Muyuela said security forces were tracking down about 300 rebels under Abu Sayyaf leader Radulan Sahiron.
AFP Chief General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr., who condoled with the families of soldiers killed in the clashes, has sent medical teams, mission-essential equipment and additional supplies for the troops battling the Abu Sayyaf.
Despite the fighting in the hinterlands, residents continue with their daily activities as if there were no battles, local officials said, adding, the violence was too far away to affect the normal situation in other parts of the province. But police forces were ordered to stay vigilant and alert to ensure the safety of civilians and vital government installations in the capital town of Jolo and in Patikul town, the seat of the provincial government.
Situation remains normal
Sulu has recently concluded a four-day sports competition participated by hundreds of athletes from different schools in the province. Thousands of people flocked to the annual sports event held at the provincial sports complex in Patikul town which was packed with people.
Governor Totoh Tan, who is the chairman of Sulu Sports Development Council, urged the youth and the students to get actively in sports because it is not only good for the health, but also improve the activity of the brains and every organ in the body.
“The interest in sports, both as a hobby and a competitive undertaking, should be instilled among the youth, and if possible while they are still in their primary level of education and the fact that sports is integral to the holistic concept in education,” he said.
Vice Governor Sakur Tan said the Sulu Provincial Athletics Association Meet was so successful that next year’s event is expected to draw thousands of people from different towns in Sulu.
He said the sports competition showed the camaraderie and unity not only of teachers and athletes and their trainers, but the people of Sulu as well. He said he was elated to see the overwhelming response of the people to the annual sports competition despite the ongoing military campaign against the Abu Sayyaf in Talipao town. (Mindanao Examiner)
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