GOVERNMENT forces took over Friday, June 16, an alleged Abu Sayyaf camp in Ungkaya Pukan in Basilan.
Members of Task Group Hunter led by Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Bacala launched airstrikes and artillery fire before ground troops stormed the area, said Joint Task Force Basilan commander Colonel Juvymax Uy.
No Abu Sayyaf member was captured, however. No bodies were also found in the camp, which the military believed to be used as base of Abu Sayyaf sub-leaders Furuji Indama and Radzmil Janatul.
“The enemy suffered heavy casualties as evident from the massive bloodstains and several identifiable human flesh,” said Bacala.
Uy said the operation was a "highly accomplished mission" that stemmed from information provided by the Abu Sayyaf members who have surrendered to the authorities.
Recovered from the captured camp were assorted high powered firearms including two M16 rifles, a Baby armalite rifle, an M1 Garand, four sacks of rice, solar panels, personal items and improvised explosive device components.
Uy said the military also found a total of 42 makeshift huts in the area. (VoxPop Philippines)
