ZAMBOANGA CITY – Five members of the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion (3rd SRB) were wounded in an encounter with the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Patikul, Sulu last Thursday.
The ASG was reported to have sustained numerous casualties in the gunfight.
Armed Forces of the Philippines-Western Mindanao Command commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr. disclosed that soldiers were conducting blocking operations in Patikul when they chanced upon a group of fleeing ASG terrorists.
The bandits were believed to have figured in an earlier encounter with soldiers of the 5th Scout Ranger Battalion last Thursday.
Joint Task Force-Sulu (JTF-Sulu) commander Major Gen. William Gonzales said the Scout Rangers were establishing a blockade a few meters away from the first encounter site in Barangay Pasil, Patikul when they clashed with about 30 ASG men in Sitio Bunge.
A fierce firefight immediately ensued lasting for about 20 minutes, after which the enemy withdrew, bringing with them their casualties, Gonzales said.
The five wounded soldiers were immediately extricated from the area, and evacuated to Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Jolo, Sulu for medical attention, according to Gonzales.
“We are certain that the ASG incurred numerous casualties as evidenced in the bloodstains that were scattered at the encounter site,” Lt. Col. Felicito Cutit, commander of the 3rd SRB, said.
Operating troops recovered a 5.56 mm linked ammunition, a 5.56 mm magazine, and personal belongings.
1101st Infantry Brigade Commander Col. Antonio Bautista said that the battle casualties are now in stable condition.
