ZAMBOANGA CITY – Thee gunmen of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) were killed and several others were wounded, including five soldiers, and recovered high-powered firearms during an hour-long offensive launched by the military in Patikul, Sulu on Saturday.
Armed Forces of the Philippines-Western Mindanao Command (AFP-WestMinCom) commander Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said the soldiers also recovered the body of an enemy after an intense clash with the ASG at Sitio Tubig Paliya, Danag at 10:44 a.m.
Sobejana said the five wounded soldiers were immediately brought to the Camp General Teodulfo Bautista Hospital (CGTBH) in Jolo, Sulu.
Sobejana added bloodstains were found along the withdrawal route of the ASG, indicating the bandits suffered heavy casualties during the fight.
According to Sobejana, the soldiers are now in stable condition but still confined at the CGTBH in Jolo.
Soldiers in the area continued to pursue the bandits who fled to the inner and forested portion of Sitio Tubig Paliya in the village of Danag in Patikul town.
Joint Task Force Sulu commander Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. said soldiers of the 21st Infantry Battalion conducted a blockade and engaged about 20 militants in area.
Vinluan said augmenting troops also blocked possible withdrawal routes of the enemies.
“As our troops penetrate the strongholds of the ASG, our soldiers will continue to employ reasonable amount of combat power to pressure and debilitate the terror group in Sulu,” Sobejana said. (Nonoy E. Lacson)
