2 soldiers killed, 12 wounded in clash with Abu Sayyaf in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — A clash with the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu on Sunday left two soldiers dead and at least 12 others wounded, security officials said.

The clash, which happened while troops were on a search and rescue operation in Patikul for the terrorist group's kidnap victims also left 10 suspected Abu Sayyaf members dead.

Among those wounded in the fighting were 12 members of the Army's 5th Scout Ranger Battalion.

Two Abu Sayyaf under a combined group led by sub-leaders Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, Idang Susukan, Injam Yadah and Ben Tottoh were also wounded.

Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of Joint Task Force Sulu (JTFS), said the rangers under Lt. Col. Jomalesa encountered the Abu Sayyaf group at Sitio Kan Alas, Barangay Tanum in Patikul town about 6:15 a.m on Sunday. 

"Sad to note our forces also incurred unfortunate casualties," Sobejana said.

Troops recovered a rifle, ammunition and components for improvised bombs after the firefight.

The remains of the slain soldiers were airlifted to Zamboanga City while the wounded were brought to the military station hospital inside the Camp Teodulfo Bautista at Barangay Bus-bus in Jolo, and at Camp Navarro General Hospital in this city.

The Abu Sayyaf group has been holding 12 hostages for ransom. 

The victims include a Dutch national, a Vietnamese, three Indonesians and seven Filipinos – two of whom are female police officers.