By Francis Wakefield
Four Abu Sayyaf militants under Mundi Sawadjaan were slain while five others were wounded in a ferocious gunfight with soldiers of 6th Special Forces Battalion in Patikul, Sulu on Thursday, February 14.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
Brigadier General Divino Rey Pabayo, the Joint Task Force Sulu Commander, said two militants died on the spot while two died due to blood loss.
“The Abu Sayyaf is unwilling to engage government troops due to their recent losses in men and supplies,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sergeant Allan Bambino Caday and Sergeant Wilfredo Flores were discharged from confinement at Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Hospital.
Sergeant Caday and Sergeant Flores both suffered shrapnel wounds during the 20-minute gunfight in Barangay Igasan at 11:30 a.m.
“Troops are advancing upon their objective as deliberate fire and combat operations continue against terrorists in Sulu,” said Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, the commander of the Western Mindanao Command.