10 Sayyaf members killed in Sulu clash

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Government troops attacked the Abu Sayyaf group who were fleeing the offensive operation Friday in the jungle of Patikul town, Sulu province that left at least 10 militants killed and 8 others wounded, according to military.

The military said 10 soldiers were also slightly wounded in the firefight during the more than 2 hours of attack, said Capt. Maria Rowena Muyuela, spokesperson of Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).

She said the ground troops also resorted to launch rounds of mortars and close air support was provided by the Philippine Air force (PAF) against the withdrawing Abu Sayyaf group led by Radulan Sahiron.

Muyuela said fighting continued around 12:25p.m Friday when troops from the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion under Lt. Col. Eugenio Boquio attacked the fleeing group of Sahiron at sitio Baunoh Butong, Barangay Buhanginan, Patikul town.

She said the army ranger team led by a certain Capt. Mendoza engaged the militants and fighting ceased until 2:30p.m following intense mortar rounds and airstrike.

Muyuela said reports provided by Col. Alan Arrojado, commander of the Joint Task Group Sulu (JTGS) disclosed at least 10 of the Abu Sayyaf were killed and 8 others were wounded. But at least 10 soldiers were also injured.

Muyuela said most of the wounded soldiers was due to the 40mm rounds fired by the Abu Sayyaf group.

All the government casualties were air evacuated by the military chopper to the military trauma hospital at Barangay Busbus in Jolo town.

The military official said that based on the reports of the pursuing troops, the Abu Sayyaf group, dragging with their casualties, were monitored retreating towards north of Barangay Taglibi, still in the town of Patikul.

The military and police have intensified the blocking operation and checkpoints to prevent the Abu Sayyaf militants from slipping out in the operation area.

The fighting Friday has already brought the number of Abu Sayyaf killed to 24 members while 27 others wounded since Tuesday when the military launched the attack. The government fatalities remained at 2 killed soldiers while those wounded have increased to 26 troopers.