Abu Sayyaf bandits kill Six soldiers in Basilan

Camp Sang-an, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur -- Six soldiers including 2nd Lt Jun G Corpuz (INF) PA, a member of PMA Class 2014, were killed after they encountered some twenty fully armed Abu Sayyaf Group bandits November 2, 2014 at around 7:30 AM during a conduct of patrol by the government troops at Sitio Mompol, Libug Village, Sumisip, Basilan Province.

Col Rolando Joselito D Bautista INF (GSC) PA, the Commander of the Philippine Army’s 104th Infantry Brigade said that his troops were deployed to secure vital government projects that would benefit the people of Basilan.

“My soldiers are securing the Basilan Circumferential Road Project to ensure its timely completion before the end of this year,” Bautista said.

“I am saddened that this senseless violence against our soldiers who are helping deliver public service to the people happened,” said Bautista.

Bautista said he sent reinforcements to pursue the attackers who are led by a certain Radzmi Jannatul.

“I will press criminal charges against these bandits who did these atrocities,” he said.

BGen Gerardo F Barrientos, the Commander of the 1st Infantry Division said, “The Tabak Division condemns in the strongest possible term this dastardly and cowardly act.”

He said, “We grieve with the relatives, families and friends of the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of the peace and development of the communities in Basilan,” adding that “the Command together with the 104th Infantry Brigade led by Colonel Bautista in Basilan will intensify its campaign against the Lawless groups and continue to secure government flagship projects.”