ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Five soldiers were killed and 23 others, including an officer, were wounded in a clash with a group of Abu Sayyaf bandits in the hinterlands of Sulu.
Lieutenant Colonel Gerry Besana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, said the clash took place around 4:10 p.m. Friday, November 16, in the village of Liang, Patikul, Sulu.
Besana said the troops from the Joint Task Force Sulu were conducting intensified military operation when they encountered 50 Abu Sayyaf bandits led by sub-leader Almujer Yadah.
Besana said the firefight lasted for about one hour and 30 minutes. The bandits fled to different directions, “bringing along their casualties with them.”
Besana did not release the identities of the slain and wounded soldiers but said they belong to the Army’s 41st Infantry Battalion.
He said the casualties were rushed to the Kuta Heneral Bautista Station Hospital in Jolo, Sulu for immediate medical attention and proper disposition.
On Saturday, November 17, 15 of the 23 wounded soldiers were airlifted to Zamboanga City for further medical treatment.
“We are deeply saddened by the demise of our five gallant soldiers,” said Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, Westmincom chief.
“Rest assured we will provide all sorts of assistance to the bereaved families and to our wounded soldiers,” Dela Vega added.
He said troops have been deployed to pursue the fleeing Abu Sayyaf bandits. (SunStar Philippines)