3 Abu Sayyaf Group members killed in Sulu armed clash

The military has confirmed that three members of the bandit group, Abu Sayyaf, were killed and that around 10 other members of the same group as well as 16 soldiers were injured in an armed clash in Patikul town, Sulu province on Tuesday afternoon.

Maj. Filemon Tan, AFP Western Mindanao Command spokesman, said the incident broke out around 2:20 p.m. in sitio Bud Duwa in Barangay Pansul while soldiers were conducting a security operation.

He said members of the Army's 32nd Infantry Battalion and around 200 armed men exchanged fire for one hour and 30 minutes. The armed men then scampered to various directions.

Tan said three Abu Sayyaf Group members were killed while 10 members were injured.

He added that the injured soldiers were brought to a hospital in Camp Teodulfo Bautista in Jolo town, Sulu.

The government troops are presently conducting hot pursuit operation against the terrorists. — BAP, GMA News