2 ASG terrorists killed in Sulu fighting on Maundy Thursday

MANILA (PNA) -– The war on terror continues without letup even on holidays as government forces killed two terrorists in a clash with an 80-member Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Patikul, Sulu at 4 p.m. on Maundy Thursday, a military report said.Troops from the 22nd Marine Company of the Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT) were alerted by civilians about the presence of heavily-armed ASG terrorists led by Hairulah Asbang in Sitio Poncho Kan Sahiron, Barangay Danag, Patikul, Sulu, the military said.The ASG terrorists were unaware that the military knew about their presence. They were surprised when they saw government forces in the area. Fighting immediately ensued.During the gun battle, two ASG terrorists were killed who were left behind by their comrades who fled hastily.The troops recovered one M-16 assault rifle and one Baby Armalite rifle from the dead terrorists.The Marines did not suffer any casualty.Pursuit operation has been launched against the group of Hairulah Asbang.The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has scored heavily against the ASG during the last quarter of 2014, killing 27 terrorists, wounding 38 others and rescuing six hostages.During the same period, the AFP also captured 27 ASG camps in Sulu and recovered 17 high-powered firearms.The AFP has been relentless in its war on terror, particularly in Sulu and Basilan.Even during the Holy Week, government forces deployed in these two southern islands continued their combat patrols to pre-empt any surprise attacks by ASG terrorists. (PNA)SCS/RBC/NOD