ZAMBOANGA CITY--Four soldiers, including an officer, were wounded in a firefight against Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits in Sulu, the military said Tuesday.
Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said the firefight occurred around 1:40 p.m. Monday in Sitio kan Apo Aluk, Barangay Panglayahan, Patikul, Sulu.
Dela Vega said the troops were conducting focused military operation when they clashed with some 50 ASG bandits led by Radullan Sahiron, the senior leader of the ASG.
The identities of the wounded officer and three enlisted men were not immediately released, but dela Vega said they belong to the Army’s 32nd Infantry Battalion.
The wounded military personnel were rushed for treatment to the Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Jolo, the capital town of Sulu.
Dela Vega said the Abu Sayyaf bandits suffered casualties based on the report of the residents.
He said the troops recovered at the clash site 50 kilos rice, personal belongings with blood stains, and assorted medicines.
“The Joint Task Force Sulu continues to intensify the conduct of offensives against the Abu Sayyaf to neutralize the remaining bandits,” dela Vega said.
The ASG bandits are still holding nine hostages, a Dutch and a Vietnamese, and seven Filipinos. (PNA)
