By Martin Sadongdong and Nonoy Lacson
A Philippine Army (PA) scout ranger and two alleged Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) militants were killed in an armed encounter in Patikul, Sulu on Saturday as the military continues its pursuit operations against bomb expert Mundi Sawadjaan.
Major General Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), said the 30-minute encounter also resulted in the wounding of seven soldiers. The identities of the casualties were not available as of this writing.
Vinluan also confirmed that Sawadjaan, whose group has been blamed for the August 24 suicide bombings in Jolo town, was in Patikul with ASG top commander Radullan Sahiron.
"All along, he was not there . He was away from the site and only the suicide bombers delivered the bombs," Vinluan told reporters on Sunday.
According to a report from the WestMinCom, the clash occurred at 9:55 a.m. in Sitio Baunoh Botong, Barangay Kabon Takas when elements of 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion exchanged fire with about 30 armed men.
The enemies were forced to withdraw after being overpowered by the soldiers.
Another encounter happened between the same suspects and elements of 5th Scout Ranger Battalion while the militant group was escaping.
"Our troops are in pursuit of the evading local terrorists in the hinterlands of Patikul," said Brigadier General William Gonzales, commander of Joint Task Force Sulu.
While the soldiers were conducting clearing operations, they discovered the remains of one of the two slain suspected ASG fighters.
The death of the other ASG combatant was reported by the military "based on intelligence report."
The local government unit of Zamboanga City has offered a P3-million reward for any information that would lead to the arrest of Sawadjaan and two other alleged ASG cohorts identified as couple Andi Baso and Reski Fantasya alias Cici.
According to the Zamboanga LGU, Baso and Fantasya are both Indonesian suicide bombers who are also responsible in the August 24 Jolo bombings.
Baso was described as around 17 to 25 years old, with light body build, and about 5'5" tall while Fantasya is about 17 to 22 years old. (With reports from Nonoy Lacson)
“Our troops of the 5th SRB, while in pursuit of the evading ASG terrorists in the hinterlands of Patikul, encountered them Sitio Baunoh Butong, Barangay Kabbon Takas,” said Vinluan, who is also Joint Task Force Sulu (JTF-Sulu) commander.
“I urge the peace-loving people of Mindanao to offer prayers for our operating troops, for the fallen and his bereaved family, for the speedy recovery of the wounded, and for everyone’s safety,” he added.