A soldier and an Abu Sayyaf member were killed during continuing military offensives against remnants of the Abu Sayyaf group on Monday, January 31 in Patikul, Sulu Province.
Operations were launched in Barangay Bangkal to track down remaining members of the Abu Sayyaf after the death of a Tausug soldier who was waylaid by the terrorist group the other day.
In last Monday’s operation, another soldier identified as PFC Jay Clint Pasingan was killed while two others were injured.
The injured were identified as PFC Celestino Tano and Sgt. Michel Bagunu who are both in stable condition at a military hospital in Sulu.
A certain Omar Yakan under Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Ellam Nasirin was also reportedly killed. Soldiers recovered a K3 squad automatic weapon from the fatality.
Joint Task Force Sulu Commander Maj Gen. William Gonzales said troops in Patikul are on high alert as government troops continue to pursue and neutralize the remaining terrorists in the province.