Indonesian teenager rescued in Basilan ops vs. Daulah Islamiyah —military

An Indonesian teenager was rescued in an operation against alleged subleaders of Daulah Islamiyah-Abu Sayyaf Group (DI-ASG) in Sumisip, Basilan on Saturday, the military said Wednesday.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) said the targets of the operation were DI-ASG subleader Mudzrimar Sawadjaan or Mundi and Abu Sayyaf subleader Pasil Bayali or Kera.

“Troops of the 5th Scout Ranger Battalion were able to seize the harboring position of the target at Sitio Lobloban, Barangay Guiong, Sumisip, Basilan and rescued an Indonesian national,” Westmincom said in a statement.

The military said Mundi brought the minor with him when he fled from Sulu to evade the combat operation of the 1103rd Infantry Brigade.

Joint Task Force Basilan Acting Commander Colonel Frederick Sales said the rescued person was the 15-year-old son of the alleged suicide bomber in Jolo Cathedral in 2019.

According to the military, Mundi abandoned the teenager during his escape from the area during Saturday's operation.

The minor was brought to the hospital for a medical check-up, the military said.

“He is still young, and we are hopeful that with proper guidance and counseling, he will be able to walk back on the right path and build a better future,” Westmincom chief Lieutenant General Roy Galido said. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA Integrated News