ZAMBOANGA CITY – Five members of the Third Scout Ranger Battalion (3rd SRB) were wounded, while the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) may have also suffered numerous casualties, in an encounter in Patikul, Sulu, on Thursday, December 17.
Armed Force of the Philippines- Western Mindanao Command (AFP-WestMinCom) Commander Lt Gen Corleto Vinluan, Jr. disclosed on Friday, December 18, that soldiers were conducting blocking operations in Patikul, when troops of the 3rd SRB chanced upon a group of fleeing ASG terrorists.
The bandits were believed to have figured in an earlier encounter with soldiers of the Fifth Scout Ranger Battalion (5th SRB) on Thursday morning.
Joint Task Force - Sulu (JTF-Sulu) Commander Maj. Gen. William Gonzales said, the Scout Rangers were establishing a blockade a few meters away from the first encounter site in Barangay Pasil, Patikul, Sulu when they encountered about 30 ASGs in Sitio Bunge.
A fierce firefight immediately ensued lasting for about 20 minutes, after which the enemy withdrew, bringing with them their casualties, Gonzales said.
The five wounded soldiers were immediately extricated from the area, and evacuated to Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital for medical attention, according to Gonzales.
“We are certain that the ASG incurred numerous casualties as evidenced in the bloodstains that were scattered at the encounter site,” Lt. Col. Felicito Cutit, commander of the 3rd SRB, said.
While scouring the area, the operating troops recovered a 5.56mm linked ammunition, a 5.56mm magazine, and personal belongings.
1101st Infantry Brigade Commander Col. Antonio Bautista said that the battle casualties were now in stable condition.
“We pray for their speedy recovery and we commend them for their gallantry,” Bautista said.
Vinluan said troops of the JTF Sulu will remain steadfast in ending terrorism in their area of responsibility.
“We are utilizing all our capabilities to sustain the peace in our area of operation during this yuletide season. We are closely monitoring the enemies to prevent them from creating havoc in the peaceful communities,” Vinluan. said.