Skip to navigation
Embassy of the United States In Manila 1201 Roxas Blvd. - Ermita Manila - The Philippines Hours of Operation: 7:30am - 4:30pm Manila Time (2330 - 0830 GMT) Tel: (63-2) 528-6300 Fax: (63-2) 522-4361
About the Embassy
Consular & Visa Services
Press & Public Releases
Government Links
Contact Us

U.S. Embassy News Release

U.S. Embassy News Release

June 27, 2007

 

 

U.S. Admiral Visits Former Terrorist Camp in Sulu,

Congratulates AFP for Successes

 

U.S. Admiral Congratulates AFP During Visit to Former Terrorist Camp

 

Adm. Timothy J. Keating, Commander, U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) and U.S. Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney visited a former terrorist stronghold June 26 at Tugas Hill, Sulu Province to view first-hand a significant battle site in the Philippines’ fight against terrorist organizations.

 

The tour was part of Adm. Keating’s five-day visit to the Republic of the Philippines in his new role as PACOM Commander.

 

In September 2006, Abu Sayyaf terrorist leader Khadaffy Janjalani was mortally wounded at Tugas Hill in a battle with Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel.  Janjalani was responsible for the kidnappings and deaths of both Filipino and American citizens in the Philippines. 

 

“Until last year, Tugas Hill was the traditional lair for the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group,” said Maj. General Ruben Rafael, Commander of AFP’s Task Force Comet.  “For years our soldiers have had encounters with Abu Sayyaf until we gained control of their camp and made it our own.”

 

Now Tugas Hill is operated by the AFP and home to the headquarters of the 5th Marine Company, Marine Battalion Landing Team 5.  It is used as a jungle training camp and as a base to launch combat patrols against the remnants of terrorist organizations still operating in the Sulu Province.  “The death of Janjalani neutralized the gravity of terrorism in the Philippines,” said AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr.

 

Adm. Keating and Ambassador Kenney spent an hour walking through dense jungle terrain to see the crude fighting positions that Abu Sayyaf dug into the ground.  AFP personnel involved in the successful AFP operation against Janjalani described the scene for the two visitors.  “This has been a spectacular visit,” said Adm. Keating.  He went on to emphasize that the U.S. and AFP need to continue their efforts in denying safe haven to terrorists.

 

“We appreciate Adm. Keating’s visit,” said Rafael. “It shows we are making important progress here against terrorism.”

 

# # #

 

 

 

 

 

Back to Main
Last Update :: 06/27/2007
In order to view PDF files, you must have a version of Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Follow the link to download the latest version. Adobe Acrobat Reader
This site is produced and maintained by the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy Manila.
Links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views contained therein.
Privacy Notice and Disclaimer