9 killed as military forces clash with ASG bandits in Sulu

Abu Sayyaf Group (Screengrab from the Institute for the Study of Violent Groups’ video)

MANILA – Nine persons, including one soldier and eight Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits, were killed during an encounter in Patikul town, Sulu Wednesday afternoon.

The 4 p.m. clash was the result of continuing “focused military operations” against the brigands, said Western Mindanao Command (WMC) spokesperson Major Filemon Tan.

Troopers from the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion encountered an estimated 100 ASG bandits under a certain Hajan Sawadajaan in Sitio Sangay, Barangay Buhanginan, Patikul town, triggering an intense firefight, Tan said.

One soldier was also wounded along with seven from the bandit group.

Pursuit operations are still ongoing, Tan added.