7 Abu Sayyaf bandits killed, sub-leader among 6 hurt in clash

Seven members of the Abu Sayyaf Group were killed while six others were wounded in an encounter with government forces in Sulu on Friday afternoon.

Among those wounded were ASG sub-leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, who was hit in the stomach and lower extremities.

Troops of the Task Group Panther, together with a group of Scout Rangers, were conducting military operations when they encountered more or less a hundred fully armed ASG members in Barangay Bakong, Patikul.

A firefight ensued which ended with the withdrawal of the ASG.

Seventeen soldiers were slightly wounded in the encounter due to shrapnel.

Casualties were rushed to the Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital for treatment.

Bodies of the slain ASG members were brought to the same hospital for forensic examination and proper disposition.

Troops recovered an M-16 rifle, four 5.56 mm magazines, one bandolier, one touchscreen cellular phone, and assorted war materiel and ammunition.

More troops have been deployed to go after the bandits that fled. -Jessica Bartolome/NB, GMA News