THREE members of the bandit group Abu Sayyaf were killed and five soldiers were injured in a firefight in Patikul town in Sulu before noon Saturday, the military reported Sunday.
Only one body was recovered by troops during clearing operations. The death of the two other Abu Sayyaf members was based on reports gathered by the military from various sources.
Troops from the 21st Infantry Battalion were on a combat operation when they clashed with about 20 Abu Sayyaf men, under sub-leader Ellam Nasirin, in Sitio Tubig Paliya in Barangay Danag at around 10:44 a.m.
After a 10-minute firefight, the bandits withdrew. Moments later, pursuing troops caught up with the Abu Sayyaf men, leading to another firefight that lasted for one hour.
Aside from the body of the still unidentified Abu Sayyaf member, troops recovered a rifle, cell phones, ammunition, magazines, food packs, bandoliers, personal belongings and documents.
“Further report stated that two other ASG members were killed and the group suffered numerous casualties (injured) during the clash,” said 1101st Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete.
Joint Task Force Sulu commander and concurrent 11th Infantry Division chief Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr. said the military will not relent in the conduct of pursuit operations against the fleeing bandits.
“We will not (cease) the momentum for these bandits to regain chances of creating another terroristic act. We will eliminate the ASG for peace and development of Sulu to prosper,” said Vinluan.
AFP Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said: “As troops penetrate the strongholds and close in on enemies, they will continuously employ reasonable amount of combat power to pressure and debilitate the terror group in Sulu.”
“We will sustain our security operations against the terrorists until we win the peace in Sulu and other parts of Western Mindanao Command areas of operation,” Sobejana added.
