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MANILA -- (UPDATED) Government forces on Saturday seized two camps of the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf, which is responsible for the kidnapping of two newly released German nationals and 10 other foreign and Filipino hostages in Sulu.
According to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, members of the Bravo Company of the 32IB discovered an abandoned camp in Barangay Buhanginan, Patikul, Sulu.
Recovered from the camp were two pairs of combat boots, a pair of rain boots, a dilapidated bandoleer, two pieces mag pouch, and a dilapidated combat pack.
“One of the camps was used as a hiding place for the German hostages,” Cabunoc said, referring to the camp found by 32nd IB soldiers in Sitio Lasal in Barangay Buhanginan. He said the camp has 47 bunkers.
Another camp that can accommodate 100 people was also discovered by the 35th Infantry Battalion in Kabuntakas, Patikul, Sulu.
According to Cabunoc, they were not able to arrest any ASG member, and there was also no firefight between the rebels and the military.
"There was no firefight. They have left, but the camp was newly abandoned. We are also trying to coordinate with the locals to prevent the rebels from mixing with the residents," the official added.
Cabunoc said the law enforcement operations are ongoing in the towns of Patikul and Indanan, which are considered headquarters of the group.
“We are tracking them. There might be a (armed) contact anytime. Our troops are still there in the area, following them closely with the aid of tracking dogs,” the official also said, referring to the Abu Sayyaf kidnappers.
He said the Abu Sayyaf involved in the kidnapping have splintered into several groups. He said the military has made coordination with local officials to prevent the terrorists from mingling with civilians in the community.
"The full-scale combat and rescue mission is continuing," said Cabunoc, adding that there has been no reduction of troops deployed as early as Friday.
“This means that we are not only after the German hostages. Some may say we conducted the operation because of the German hostages. We are also after the 10 other hostages and course punish those who are involved in this criminal activity,” said Cabunoc.
The Abu Sayyaf is holding 10 more foreign and Filipino hostages in Sulu, including two European wildlife photographers seized from Tawi-tawi in February 2012.
Cabunoc said Armed Forces chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang has given the directives for the troops to continue with the law enforcement operations.
“There should be result. He (Catapang) is expecting result…Hopefully, they (pursuing troops) catch up on them,” said Cabunoc.
In a separate phone interview, Sulu island commander Col. Allan Arrojado said they are still tracking members of the group in areas where they are reported to be located.
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