REGIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Notorious ASG Leader Neutralized In Basilan
Photo credit: 101st Infantry Brigade
Government forces successfully neutralized Mudzrimar Sawadjaan, also known as "Mundi," a notorious leader of the Abu Sayyaf Group's Sulu Province faction. The armed encounter occurred on December 2, 2023, in the municipal waters between Barangay Banah, Tipo-Tipo, and Barangay Lahi-lahi, Tuburan, Basilan Province.
Sawadjaan, identified as the mastermind behind multiple suicide bombings, including the infamous 2019 Jolo Cathedral bombing and the 2020 twin bombing in downtown Jolo, was intercepted by government troops during a maritime patrol in the coastal areas of Basilan.
Lieutenant General William Gonzales, Commander of the Western Mindanao Command, praised the Joint Task Force Orion (JTF Orion) for their relentless pursuit of local terrorists in Sulu and Basilan provinces.
"The neutralization of MUNDI will not only keep the people safe but has finally given justice to the hundreds of victims of his atrocities," he stated.
Major General Ignatius Patrimonio, Commander of the JTF Orion, commended the 101st Infantry (Three Red Arrows) Brigade for their unwavering efforts in maintaining peace on Basilan. Brigadier General Alvin V Luzon, the brigade's leader, urged remaining ASG members to choose the path of peace and development, assuring support for their reintegration into mainstream society.
Brigadier General Luzon credited the vigilance of the people of Basilan and the support of the provincial government, led by Governor Jim Hataman-Salliman, for contributing to MUNDI's eventual neutralization.
The local government unit (LGU) of Basilan facilitated the traditional Muslim burial rites for Sawadjaan, emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity in handling such matters.
In an official statement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) confirmed the successful operation, highlighting the courage and dedication of the JTF Orion troops. The special intelligence operation took place at approximately 6:30 pm, preventing Sawadjaan from leaving the island province.
The AFP expressed gratitude for the support and cooperation of the Basilan communities, whose vigilance played a crucial role in locating the terrorist leader.
The statement urged remaining ASG members to surrender, emphasizing the government's amnesty program as a path to redemption and rehabilitation.
Sawadjaan, identified as the mastermind behind multiple suicide bombings, including the infamous 2019 Jolo Cathedral bombing and the 2020 twin bombing in downtown Jolo, was intercepted by government troops during a maritime patrol in the coastal areas of Basilan.
Lieutenant General William Gonzales, Commander of the Western Mindanao Command, praised the Joint Task Force Orion (JTF Orion) for their relentless pursuit of local terrorists in Sulu and Basilan provinces.
"The neutralization of MUNDI will not only keep the people safe but has finally given justice to the hundreds of victims of his atrocities," he stated.
Major General Ignatius Patrimonio, Commander of the JTF Orion, commended the 101st Infantry (Three Red Arrows) Brigade for their unwavering efforts in maintaining peace on Basilan. Brigadier General Alvin V Luzon, the brigade's leader, urged remaining ASG members to choose the path of peace and development, assuring support for their reintegration into mainstream society.
Brigadier General Luzon credited the vigilance of the people of Basilan and the support of the provincial government, led by Governor Jim Hataman-Salliman, for contributing to MUNDI's eventual neutralization.
The local government unit (LGU) of Basilan facilitated the traditional Muslim burial rites for Sawadjaan, emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity in handling such matters.
In an official statement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) confirmed the successful operation, highlighting the courage and dedication of the JTF Orion troops. The special intelligence operation took place at approximately 6:30 pm, preventing Sawadjaan from leaving the island province.
The AFP expressed gratitude for the support and cooperation of the Basilan communities, whose vigilance played a crucial role in locating the terrorist leader.
The statement urged remaining ASG members to surrender, emphasizing the government's amnesty program as a path to redemption and rehabilitation.
Dec 4, 2023
