2 soldiers, 3 Abu Sayyaf hurt in Sulu clashes

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Fighting erupted between government troops and the Abu Sayyaf that left two scout rangers and three militants wounded in the mountains of Patikul town, Sulu.

Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, commander of the Joint Task Group Sulu (JTGS), said the firefight broke when troopers from the 11th and 16th Scout Ranger Company (SRC) encountered 150 Abu Sayyaf members under the group of Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan about 2:10 p.m. at Sitio Kaupitan, Barangay Tugas, Patikul town.

The Abu Sayyaf militants were led by Namel Ahajarin, Basaron Arok and Ullah.

The firefight ensued for 45 minutes, forcing the Abu Sayyaf members to retreat and divide into small factions to escape.

Another combined forces of the 10th and 12th SRC clashed with 60 fleeing militants under the group of Abu Sayyaf leader Radullan Sahiron at the vicinity of Sitio Tubalon, Barangay Kabuntakas still in Patikul.

The military official said the firefight lasted briefly as the militants continued to evade the pursuing Army rangers.

Arrojado said at least three Abu Sayyaf militants were wounded in the encounters. Two of the wounded gunmen were identified as Ben Ahajarin, brother of Namel; Ben Kerino while the other was unidentified.

He said two soldiers, namely Private 1st Class Class Celito S. Carag and Technical Sgt. Nicar M. Escarola, were also slightly wounded.

Arrojado said troops on the ground were mobilized to conduct blocking operation while police and military units conducted checkpoints to prevent Abu Sayyaf members from escaping the operation ground.

The wounded soldiers were brought to the military trauma hospital for treatment.