3 troopers wounded in Abu clash

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Three Army troopers were wounded in an encounter with suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits in Patikul, Sulu yesterday.

The troopers were tracking down the bandits when they encountered at least 20 of them in Barangay Liang at around 1:45 p.m., according to Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, chief of Joint Task Group Sulu.

Arrojado said the troopers, who belong to the Army’s 35th Infantry Battalion, exchanged fire with followers of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Ninok Saparri.

Arrojado said the three soldiers were hit by shrapnel in the arms when the bandits fired M203 rifle grenades. He said the Abu Sayyaf suffered casualties.

The chief of the 35th IB deployed a platoon to reinforce the troops, prompting the bandits to retreat to the mountains.

The military has been pursuing the bandits who are holding about a dozen captives in Sulu.  – With Jaime Laude