Fighting in Sulu continues: 1 MNLF killed, 1 captured

Fighting between government forces and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels continues in Panamao, Sulu.

Reports from the headquarters of Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) here said one MNLF rebel was killed while another one was captured.

Soldiers from the 2nd t Ranger Battalion were conducting combat clearing patrol at Bitan-ag complex in Panamao when they encountered the group of Habier Malik.

Lieutenant General Eugenio Cedo, WesMinCom chief, said the firefight lasted for a few minutes, which resulted to the killing of one rebel and the capture of another.

Cedo said his men recovered one M16 rifle with M203 grenade launcher attachment and that no casualty was reported on the military side during the encounter.

“Presently, the camps recovered are now occupied and defended by the Marines and other government forces,” he said.

The WesMinCom chief has ordered the military to place the entire Sulu under “highest alert status” against possible attacks of Malik group and to pursue the Abu Sayyaf group.

He also stressed to the troops to observe the peace process with the MNLF.

Last Friday, the group of Malik launched a series of mortar bombardment and attacks against forces including the Municipal Hall Panamao.

The military said the attacks triggered a heavy fighting which led to the killing of at least 12 rebels and the wounding of many others, including two civilians and several Marines.

In his statement, Cedo reiterated that the government troops are only after the Abu Sayyaf militants who are seeking refuge inside the MNLF territory.

He pointed out that the military forces did not do anything to provoke the MNLF, saying that it was the rebels who started the conflict by bombarding the Marines.

“Our troops have to defend themselves to prevent further damage and stop the escalation of the conflict,” he said. (HG)

Navy-led interagency team seized banned aquatic products in Zamboanga

Authorities on Thursday seized large quantities of banned aquatic products in a joint operation on warehouse in Magay Street, this City, the Western Mindanao Command reported on Saturday.

Navy and Task Force Zamboanga backed by NBI, PRO-9 and BFAR confiscated several shells, dried carapace of sea turtles and dried sea horse at Lian Huat depot, said Major Eugenio Batara Jr., WesMinCom spokesman.

“The seized marine products were considered or listed in the convention on International Trade on endangered species,” Batara said. “The apprehension was in line with the enforcement of many statutues.”

The depository area was reportedly owned and operated by Olivia Li and Tomas Lim. The seized items were now under the custody of NBI.

Under Section 97 of the Republic Act 8550 provides that is shall be unlawful to fish or take rare, threatened or endangered species.

Fisheries Administrative Order No. 208 Series of 2001 also states “it shall be unlawful for any person, natural or juridical, to take or catch or cause to be taken the specified fishery/aquatic shell species.”

Philippine Wildlife Act also prohibits the taking of sea turtles, as the species is recognized as endangered in the Philippines. DENR Memo Order No. 06 in conjunction with DENR Administrative Order No. 48 disallows exploitation activities related to marine turtles.

The Naval Forces Western Mindanao Command has launched recently a campaign, which aims to detect, prevent and suppress violations of marine environmental laws in order to preserve and protect the environment.(HG)