Curig was part of a Scout Ranger unit under the command of Major Roberto Caldeo tasked with pursuing the kidnappers and rescuing the hostages.

On the third day of the operation, Caldeo decided that two squads of Scout Rangers would have to volunteer and make an all-out assault up the steep terrain to clear out the bunkers keeping the rest of the government forces pinned down.

Roberto Caldeo, who had by then been promoted to colonel, committed suicide in April 2008; allegedly due to stress suffered as a result of the operation that killed six of his men.

[4][5][6] Curig reveals in a video-recorded interview that the Philippine Army unit that embarked on the operation to rescue the hostages was battalion-sized, consisting of three companies.

[7] "From 28 to 30 April 2000, the 11th Scout ranger Company (SRC) Team, assaulted Hill 898 in Camp Abdurajak, the highly fortified Abu Sayyaf lair where 28 civilians were being held hostage in Punoh Mohaji, Sumisip Basilan.

After another day of intense, determined and fierce fighting, SSGT CURIG and 13 other rangers volunteered for and organized a "suicide squad" to execute the final assault.