He said the terrorists abandoned their stronghold following an attack by the military. Before capturing the stronghold in Silangkum, soldiers on Sunday seized control of the strongholds of the Abu Sayyaf Group in Barangay Baguindan Proper and at Hill 440. “The terrain served to secure Abu Sayyaf’s vital mobility and to intimidate nearby communities,” Tan said. In Baguindan, the military assault forced the Abu Sayyaf to abandon their stronghold that is fortified with seven foxholes and 12 bunkers capable of accommodating at least 80 rebels. Lt. Col. Andrew Bacala Jr., commander of the 4TH Special Forces Battalion, said the capture of the Abu Sayyaf strongholds had weakened the terrorists, capability in Baguindan and in Al-Barka town.

Source: The Standard August 16, 2016 16:03 UTC