Sahiron hurt in Sulu clash?

The Armed Forces of the Philippines is verifying reports that top Abu Sayyaf commander Radulan Sahiron might have been critically wounded in a clash with Marines in Sulu last Monday.

Two Marines were killed and 11 others wounded in the early morning shootout that lasted until noon in Barangay Dugas, Patikul town, the military said yesterday.

Col. Tristan Kison, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public information chief, said based on field reports the one-armed Sahiron was among those critically wounded in the fighting.

"We will verify that information," he said.

Marines are still pursuing the Abu Sayyaf band, he added.

Kison said the Marines were on patrol near Barangay Dugas at about 6:30 a.m. Monday when they encountered the 50-man rebel group reportedly led by Sahiron.

"We suffered two KIA (killed in action) and 11 wounded in action," he said.

The Abu Sayyaf also suffered "heavy casualties," according to Kison. — Jaime Laude