ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) has suffered a set back in as far as acquisition of firearms and ammunition is concerned, a military official said.
Col. Hernanie Songano, 4th Marine Brigade and Naval Task Group-Sulu commander, issued the statement after Wahid Sahid, the alleged leader of gunrunners who supply firearms to the ASG, was killed in a joint military and police operation in Sulu.
Songano said the death of Sahid has greatly affected acquisition of firearms and ammunition by the Sulu-based ASG.
Songano noted a police report saying that Sahid is the leader of an armed group involved in gun running activities in the 2nd District of Sulu.
He also said that the same group was responsible in recent selling of several high-powered firearms and ammunition, including six rounds of 90 Recoilless Rifle to private armed groups and to the Abu Sayyaf bandits.
Sahid was killed in a firefight around 10:30 a.m. Sunday in Barangay Kan Sipat, Panamao, Sulu, according to Lt. Senior Grade Chester Ross Cabaltera, Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) information officer.
Cabaltera said the firefight ensued as Sahid and his companions opened fire when they noticed the arrival of a joint team of soldiers and policemen, who launched an operation in response to a citizen’s report that unidentified people, armed with high-powered firearms, were sighted in Barangay Kan Sipat.
He said the troops recovered three M-14 rifles, one M-16 “Baby” Armalite rifle and ammunition from the hideout of Sahid.
He added that the remains of Sahid and the recovered firearms were turned over to the police for proper disposition. – Nikolai Gonzalo
