ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Ten Abu Sayyaf bandits and four soldiers were killed in an encounter in Patikul, Sulu yesterday, an official said.
Nine other soldiers were wounded in the clash in Sitio Dyundangan, Barangay Buhanginan that started at around 10:20 a.m., said Maj. Filemon Tan, spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command.
Tan said soldiers belonging to the 35th Infantry Battalion under Joint Task Force Sulu clashed with the group of Abu Sayyaf leader Radullan Sahiron.
“The firefight was fierce that troops were supported with heavy artillery launched from a 105mm Howitzer,” Tan said.
He said the bandits retreated after 45 minutes.
The soldiers recovered the bodies of three of the Abu Sayyaf fatalities.
The casualties from the government side were brought to the Camp Navarro General Hospital in this city.
Tan said he ordered his men to put up checkpoints and launch pursuit operations for the bandits.