ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Five Abu Sayyaf bandits and a soldier were killed while five others were wounded as firefight erupted anew shortly before noon Monday in Sulu, a top military official said.
The fresh clash occurred around 11:45 a.m. Monday in Sitio Bud Kaha, Barangay Maligay, Patikul as troopers continue to pursue the Abu Sayyaf bandits to rescue several hostages, according Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Sulu commander.
“Our troops were continuously doing security, search and rescue for the freedom of the KVs (kidnap victims), resulting to an encounter with undetermined number of ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group) members,” Sobejana said.
Sobejana said sporadic firefight “is still ongoing” as the troops continue to advance as of this posting.
He said the troops recovered one of the remains of the five slain Abu Sayyaf bandits, two high-powered firearms and other war paraphernalia as well as foodstuffs.
He said a soldier was killed in action and five others were wounded in Monday’s clash.
Before Monday’s clash, the troops discovered three remains of Abu Sayyaf bandits that were hastily buried, the military official said. The recovered bodies are believed to be part of the fatalities the ASG suffered in a clash Sunday in Sitio Kan Alas, Barangay Tanum, Patikul municipality.
“We are now in the process of checking the identity of those cadavers,” Sobejana added.
Twelve people, including 10 Abu Sayyaf bandits and two soldiers, were killed while 14 others wounded in an hour-long firefight that took place Monday.
Of the 14 wounded, 12 were members of the Army’s 5th Scout Ranger Battalion. (PNA)
