ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Search and retrieval operations for the remains of seven Abu Sayyaf bandits killed in Tuesday’s encounter at sea with government troopers in Sulu are ongoing. Lt. Jerrica Manongdong, Joint Task Force Sulu (JTFS) spokesperson, said personnel of the Naval Task Group (NTG) Sulu 2.0 are leading the operations. Lamug said they hope the remains of the bandits would float within two to four days. JTFS commander Maj. Gen. William Gonzales sought the assistance of civilians, noting that the search area is around 220 square kilometers. Two of the fatalities were identified as Madsmar Sawadjaan, brother of Abu Sayyaf suicide bombing mastermind Mudzrimar ”Mundi” Sawadjaan, and Mannul Sawadjaan, alias Abu Amara, grandson of slain Abu Sayyaf leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan.

Source: Philippine Star November 05, 2020 15:56 UTC