Sulu, Philippines

Sulu (26 May) — Marine troops here seized Thursday two hectares of marijuana plantation with roughly 50,000 marijuana trees at the vicinity of Brgy Patao, Maimbung Sulu. The estimated worth of the said plantation is P 30 million.

The Special Operations Platoon of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 4, 3rd Marine Brigade under Col Nathalio Ecarma III PN (M), was tracking down the Abu Sayaff terrorists and Jemaah Islamiya bombers in the area when they stumbled upon the plantation.

More troops were sent to destroy and uproot the illegal crops. The seized marijuana plants will be handed over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for disposal.

Joint Task Force Comet Commander Maj Gen Juancho M Sabban commended the soldiers for another job well done.

Moreover, he warned the drug pushers and drug lords, who take the comfort in victimizing and engulfing the people, saying that the military does not only combat terrorism, but also drug addiction.

“We are determined to shut down delinquency and stop crimes caused by the use of these drugs,” M/Gen Sabban stressed.

Last month, the said task force through its 42nd Civil Relations Unit of the 4th Civil Relations Group sponsored a symposium on drive against illegal drugs at the Jolo Municipal Town Hall as part of its advocacy campaign on the fight versus drug addiction.

“Our drive versus illegal drugs will be relentless,” he stressed.

Likewise, he urged the people to help out authorities in the defense of their children and love ones against the use of prohibited drugs.

“The problem on illegal drugs is everybody’s concern. All of us can be possible victims of this menace if not addressed straight away. And it’s only through the union of efforts that we may be successful in our crusade against these dangerous drugs,” he said.

As of press time, investigations are ongoing to verify the owner of the plantation. (42CRU, 4CRG, CRSAFP/PIA-BASULTA)

Sulu (26 May) — Three schools and a health clinic on Thursday were inaugurated here. These are military- initiated development projects funded by the Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines Task Force-Sulu, in coordination with the Provincial Government Unit.

The three schools were constructed at barangays Bandang, Mauboh (both of Talipao), and Punay (Panglima Estino), while the health clinic was situated at Bilaan, Talipao.

Joint Task Force Comet Commander M/Gen Juancho M Sabban said that the military recognizes the importance of education and well-being in the attainment of its peace objective.

“The problem in the shortage of school buildings is countrywide. We hope with these projects, we are able to help in addressing the same problem here in Sulu. Investing in education is the key to peace and development, which is a long term solution,” M/Gen Sabban said.

Likewise, he advised the parents to perform their responsibilities well in their children’s education.

“We hope that the teachers, students, and everybody will take care of these infrastructures. These are yours,” he said.

JSOTF-P TF-Sulu Commander Maj Eric Walker stressed that in strong partnership with the JTF Comet and the Provincial Government, the US government assists the Philippine Government in its peace and development concerns, which are currently making remarkable progress.

Provincial Gov. Abdusakur Tan expressed that the people of Sulu appreciate the military efforts, meant to benefit the province.

“Thank you for carrying the burden with me in improving the lives of my people through providing assistance in development projects such as school buildings and health clinic. Peace and order in Sulu is getting better everyday,” says Gov Tan.

Ribbon-cutting ceremony for all the projects was held with the residents, barangay and municipal officials. (42CRU, 4CRG, CRSAFP/PIA-BASULTA)

Sulu (26 May) — The Fleet Marine Team on Saturday intercepted approximately 283 sacks of ammonium nitrate worth roughly P 849,000 with 50 blasting caps - materials used for improvised explosive device, during a raid conducted at the vicinity of Buansa pier, Indanan, Sulu.

Elements of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-6 under Lt Col Jimmy Larida and the Navy Team under Lt Commander Carlos Sabare, jointly seized the ammonium nitrate loaded in a banca, while the blasting caps, plus 45 caliber pistol, 3 magazines of ammunition, and a handheld radio in a nearby house.

Joint Task Force Comet Commander Maj Gen Juancho M Sabban said that Abu Sayaff Group’s involvement is not remote. The raid, which was conducted based on military intelligence build-up, is near the Abu Sayaff camp, overrun by the military during its last month’s surgical strike.

“With blasting caps, and the ammonium nitrate, which is the basic ingredient in the so-called fertilizer bombs, it is obviously meant for a terrorist action,” says M/Gen Sabban.” Blasting cap is a device that initiates the detonation of a high explosive.

Nevertheless, the Comet Commander said, “investigations are ongoing to pinpoint and determine the real identities of the persons behind all this. Charges will be filed for illegal possession.”

Meanwhile, he commended all the troops and thanked the civilian informants.

“Our soldiers’ commitment to their mandated tasks, interfaced with the public support and cooperation effect this successful operation. We shall always be relentless in our security operations to thwart any eventuality that may harm our people,” he stressed.

Said items are to be brought to Firearms and Explosives Division of the Philippine National Police for proper disposition. (42CRU, 4CRG, CRSAFP/PIA-BASULTA)

Sulu (26 May) — Intensified Civil Military Operations here led to the recovery of one 30 caliber machine gun on Saturday by military troops in the vicinity of Liubud, Pantao, Talipao. A civilian volunteered information to the military authorities on the existing high powered firearm concealed in an abandoned house.

Commanding Officer Lt Col Teodoro A Llamas PA said that the walk-in civilian himself led the combat group of the 6 Scout Ranger Company and one team from the 4 SRC in the area, where the firearm was retrieved.

“The Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTWA) approach is continuously gaining significant momentum against lawless elements. The successful operation is attributed to the civilian’s input of information,” says Joint Task Force Comet Commander M/Gen Juancho M Sabban.

Moreover, the government’s gun ban is being seriously implemented by authorities to curb the proliferation of loose firearms and deny these weapons from being used for unlawful activities.

“Every gun seized indicates that Sulu has been rid of a serious threat –making every Suluano existence safer,” he added.

The said firearm bears the serial number 853203, believed to have been in the custody of one of the recruits or remnants of the deceased ASG sub-leader Black Killer, whose area of operations covered the municipality of Talipao.

The AFP commends the soldiers for a job well done.

The machine gun is now at JTF Comet headquarters for proper disposition. (42CRU, 4CRG, CRSAFP/PIA-BASULTA)