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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Military officer killed, nine others hurt in clash with Abu Sayyaf in Sulu

Military officer killed, nine others hurt in clash with Abu Sayyaf in Sulu

Published Jun 23, 2020 12:00 am
By Martin Sadongdong  A military officer was killed while nine other soldiers were wounded in an encounter with Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) terrorists in Patikul, Sulu on Monday. Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), said elements of the Sulu-based 32nd Infantry Battalion (32IB) engaged an undetermined number of local terrorists in a fierce firefight in Sitio Tubig Bukayon, Barangay Pansul at around 12 noon. "It is with deep sadness to report that one valiant military officer paid the ultimate price and nine personnel were wounded while fearlessly fighting the enemies and protecting the people of Sulu," Sobejana said. The identities of the slain and wounded soldiers have yet to be released pending notification of their immediate families. An undetermined number of casualties was also reported on the enemy's side as troops pursuing the fleeing bandits found traces of blood, according to Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, commander of Joint Task Force Sulu. Sobejana said the military has sustained its intense operations to purge the ASG, which is responsible for some of the worst crimes in Mindanao including bombings, killings, and abductions. "As we actively support the civil government in preventing the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease), we also ensure that the people in the community are safe and secured from terrorism," the WestMinCom chief stated. Sobejana also assured the families of the killed and wounded-in-action (KIA, WIA) soldiers that they will be provided with all forms of assistance. He said he already ordered a hot pursuit operation to hunt down the remaining ASG terrorists. Last June 5, ASG terrorists also killed four soldiers and wounded 17 combat troopers from the 6th Special Forces Battalion in an encounter in Sitio Lagaron, Barangay Kan-ague in Patikul. Two suspected ASG terrorists died in the firefight.
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