Military: Abu Sayyaf militants fight while high on shabu

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Some of the Abu Sayyaf militants who figured in close combat with government troops in Patikul, Sulu last Monday were high on drugs, according to a military official.

Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Mayoralgo de la Cruz said 10 soldiers who were wounded during the encounter said the militants were brazen to come in so close to attack.

“Based on what the wounded soldiers said, the militants appeared to be high on shabu when they attacked at close quarters,” De la Cruz said.

The bandits killed 15 government troops in fierce fighting late Monday that raged for almost two hours in Barangay Maligay in Patikul.

De la Cruz cited the case of Pfc. Jison Falcasantos who was hacked dead by a militant even after wounding his attacker.

De la Cruz said it was not the first time they heard of the Abu Sayyaf being high on drugs, saying that in most of the camps overrun by government troops, they recovered shabu and drug paraphernalia.

He believed the Abu Sayyaf easily lured addicts into its ranks by offering money and drugs.

President Duterte also believed the Abu Sayyaf has resorted to unconventional and brutal methods of dealing with their enemies.

He said the bandit group “has deteriorated into some kind of cannibalism” in beheading their victims.

“For what? You think Allah would be happy to see you do that? In the name of Allah, you kill and then unnecessarily, you mutilate the body of a human being,” the President said. – With Edith Regalado