FOIC, PN Expresses Condolences to the Marine KIA

By: LIEUTENANT COLONEL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office

Monday, 21 September 2009

Vadm Ferdinand S Golez, Flag Officer in Command expresses the condolences of the Philippine Navy to eight members (including an officer) of the Philippine Marine Corps who were killed in action in Sitio Talatac, Brgy Bato-Bato, Indanan, Sulu 1:50 pm today 21 September 2009. Nine of the Marines were wounded in a daring singular attack by around 100 terrorist Abu Sayyaf reportedly led by Dr. Abu against the passing 6-vehicle convoy.

The Marines from 4th Battalion were enroute back to headquarters after a successful operation that led to the successful retaking of Brgy. Buansa in Indanan yesterday when ambushed. The M-35 (6X6) truck the victims were boarding was hit by a Rocket Propelled Grenade bursting it into flame. The Marines instantaneously fired back inflicting casualties on their ambushers. Intel reports indicate that 3 were killed and around 5 wounded.

Security Forces from JTF Comet headed by MGen Ben D Dolorfino are bracing for retaliatory attacks like this one that followed shortly the flag-raising ceremony held 10:00 AM today in the once ASG-held camp. We will not allow terrorist groups and their Jemaah Islamiya cohorts to continue with their atrocities. These recent casualties from our ranks will not deter gov’t forces from seizing the momentum in these renewed surgical offensives these lawless groups who launch attacks even during Ramadan. (End)