Sulu clash: Abu Sayyaf bandit dies, 20 soldiers hurt

ZAMBOANGA CITY — A member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) was killed while 20 soldiers were wounded in a firefight in the hinterlands of Sulu, the military disclosed Thursday.

The 9:30 a.m. encounter occured in Barangay Langhub, Patikul town when troops of the Army’s 41st Infantry Battalion saw more or less 40 ASG bandits led by sub-leaders Idang Susukan and Ben Tattoo while on patroling the area, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer Lt. Col. Gerry Besana said.

The slain ASG bandit was identified as Alpata Abdurasa, Besana said.

He also disclosed that 18 of the 20 wounded soldiers sustained slight shrapnel wounds caused by the explosion of an M-203 grenade while the remaining two suffered gunshot injuries. They were taken to Camp General Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Jolo, Sulu.

The ASG bandits dragged their casualties when they scampered to different directions, said Besana.

Westmincom chief, Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, commended the troops of the Joint Task Force Sulu “for their untiring dedication to their duties.”

“Rest assured all battle casualties will be given prompt and due medical treatment,” Dela Vega said.

“We will continuously intensify our operations to expedite the neutralization of the Abu Sayyaf Group until the peace that the people of Sulu deserve is attained,” Dela Vega said.