Marine, 2 Abu Sayyaf rebs killed as fighting rages in Patikul

ZAMBOANGA CITY – A Marine and two Abu Sayyaf gunmen were killed yesterday when troops clashed with the bandits in the jungles of Sulu.

Four soldiers and an undetermined number of Abu Sayyaf fighters and Misuari partisans were also wounded in the fighting at around 10 a.m. in Mt. Mungit, Patikul town.

Brig. Gen. Renato Miranda, commander of Marine Forces South (MarForSouth), said he could not release the names of the wounded soldiers, pending notification of their immediate families.

"Two of the slain Abu Sayyaf have been recovered, while undetermined casualties were dragged away," he said.

Lt. Col. John Martir, MarForSouth deputy commander and spokesman, said the military offensive continued as the Abu Sayyaf fled with their casualties.

"Aside from the slain bandits, the troops also recovered an M16 attached with M203 grenade launcher believed to be a weapon of a bandit leader," he said.

Martir said troops found assorted empty shells and traces of blood along the escape routes of the Abu Sayyaf, which led to the border with Panamao town.

"The recovery of the empty shells signified the bandits were firing on their retreat to slow down our troops as they were inflicted with heavy casualty," he said.

It was the fourth time that Marines have clashed with the men of Abu Sayyaf leader Radulan Sahiron since last month, he added. – Roel Pareño