Search for bodies of slain Abu Sayyaf continues

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.

The speedboat used by the bandits had earlier been recovered near Sulare Island.

Cmdr. Philip Edward Lamug, NTG-Sulu 2.0 chief, said they divided the vicinity of the site of the encounter into quadrants to ensure that all areas will be covered.

Lamug said they hope the remains of the bandits would float within two to four days.

“The water in the area is so deep. It is not safe for the troops to dive. If the bodies will float, it will be washed to the shore,” he said.

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.