11 February 2008

COMMANDER WESTMINCOM ORDERS INVESTIGATION OF INCIDENT IN MAIMBUNG, SULU

      WESTMINCOM, AFP. Elements of the JTF "Comet" while conducting operations towards barangay Ipil, Maimbung, Sulu encountered an undetermined number of an armed group at about 3 a.m. this morning setting-off a heavy firefight which lasted for about an hour. As a result of the encounter, two (2) soldiers were killed and five (5) were wounded. On the part of the enemy the government troops recovered three (3) killed (body count) among them a certain ASG identified as Abu Muktadil. One (1) M16 rifle was also recovered from the enemy.

      The ASG terror group led by Abu Pula also known as Dr. Abu was reportedly holding a certain Rosalie Lao kidnapped in Jolo, Sulu on January 28, 2008. With this development, Joint Task Force Comet (JTFC) immediately organized its available troops to go after the terror group and rescue the kidnap victim taking advantage of the cover of darkness. However, while approaching the area, they met the armed group and the firefight ensued.

      As the situation in the area developed, reports were received of several civilians killed in the vicinity and were believed to have been caught in the cross fire during the encounter. Other reports indicate that the alleged killing of unarmed civilians, was caused by the ongoing RIDO of warring families in the area. In a report received by JTFC from reliable sources, there was an ongoing RIDO between two (2) warring families in the area and the encounter and exchange of fires could have triggered the volatile situation between the families. The encounter and the killing of civilians may have been two (2) different incidents taking place simultaneously. Eight (8) civilians were found dead among them were two children and a soldier of the 6th Infantry Division who was on leave, while several others were missing.

      LTGEN NELSON ALLAGA, WESTMINCOM Commander immediately ordered for an investigation to be conducted in order to determine the facts of the incident. The investigation is led by COL FRED LLOSA the WMC Inspector General who was directed to proceed to Jolo,Sulu.

      The Commanders on the ground maintain that the encounter in Ipil, Maimbung, Sulu was a legitimate encounter with the ASG terror group, the fact that the AFP troops suffered casualties. Nevertheless the WESTMINCOM remains steadfast in its duty of maintaining peace and security for all the people of WESTERN MINDANAO. The AFP adheres at all times to the rules of engagement not to put any unarmed civilians in danger during fire fights and encounters.