By NONOY E. LACSON
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Six members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and three government troopers were killed while three other soldiers were wounded in an encounter in Patikul, Sulu at noon Friday.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines-Western Mindanao Command (AFP-Westmincom) reported that the gunfight broke out when ASG gunmen fired upon the troops of the 32nd Infantry Battalion in Barangay Taong, Patikul at 11 am.
Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu commander Major Gen. Corleto Vinluan said the exchange of gunfire resulted in the death of six ASG men and three soldiers and the wounding of three other soldiers.
“It is with deep sadness to report that three of our brave soldiers succumbed while defending the people of Sulu,” Vinluan said.
“We seek for prayers for the eternal repose of their souls and for the speedy recovery of the wounded soldiers,” Vinluan added.
While scouring the encounter site, troops recovered the remains of three of the six slain enemies and noticed blood stains along the escaped route of the enemy.
The soldiers immediately pulled from the battle area the government casualties while the wounded soldiers were brought to Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital for treatment.
Identities of the slain terrorists remained unidentified while those of the military casualties were withheld pending notification to their next of kin.
Westmincom commander Lt. Gen Cirilito Sobejana said: “The men and women of Westmincom commiserates with the bereaved families of our fallen heroes who dedicated their life serving their beloved country.”
“Our forces from the JTF Sulu are determined to pursue the fleeing enemies in honor of their fallen comrades,” Sobejana added.