In a report sent to News Fort Sunday, Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) director Major General Edgar Alan Okubo said that a heavy fighting started when his personnel initiated counter terrorism operation through service of warrant of arrest against Juko Dahim alias Juko; Ammas Hatib Ajon; and Rogir Mukattir.
Okubo said Juko had a warrant of arrest for robbery issued by Honorable Bensaudi I. Arabani, Sr., Presiding Judge, RTC, 9th Judicial Region, Branch 4, Parang, Sulu while Ajon was accused of murder.
He said the operation led by Major Dominador Mauricio was supported by the Provincial Intelligence Unit, Sulu Provincial Police Office, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Sulu Provincial Field Unit (CIDG-Sulu PFU), Maritime Group, 41st Infantry Battalion PA, Regional Intelligence Unit 9, Maimbung MPS, Parang Municipal Police Station, and Crime Laboratory Sulu Field Unit.
Based on reports, the targets were responsible for the ambush and killing of former Sulu Police Provincial Director Senior Superintendent Julasirim Kasim in May 2009 in Barangay Bato, Ugis, Maimbung, Sulu.
The group was also involved in Kidnapping activities, armed encounters with government forces and killing of innocent civilians in Sulu, to include selling of illegal drugs to provide financial support to the ASG.
They were members and supporters of ASG under late ASG Sub-Leader Maian Sahiduan alias Apo Mike, formerly operating in Sulu Island Province particularly in the areas of Patikul, Indanan, Maimbung, and Parang.
According to Okubo, heavy firefight lasted for about 30 minutes until the troops succesfully outmaneuvered the ASG members in their position.
Police Captain Nolie Agmaliw, one of the team leaders in said operation was wounded who was hit on his left hand middle finger.
Two other civilians caught in the crossfire were also wounded and were treated by the SAF Combat Medics. They were all transported to the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO).
Okubo further said one unit SAF ballistic shield was reportedly damaged for receiving heavy enemy gunfire, to include the damage of tactical flashlights, and damage of a barrel of one EMTAN SAF Rifle.
Apart from Juko, other slain ASG members were Jimming Akjal; Aldimar Kanih; Gamil Halik; Norhan Pasi; Malik Iron; and his son.
The operating team was able to seize various firearms, magazines, 20 rds of Cal. .45; Two steel magazines; 349 rds of Cal. 5.56; 52 rds of Cal 5.56; 120 rds of Cal 7.62; 19 rds of 40mm grenade launcher ammunition; 4 pieces bandolier; 1 Black bag; and assorted firearms accessories.
Photo from PNP SAF