Soldiers wounded in Abu Sayyaf encounter receive medals

Soldiers from the 5th Scout Ranger Battalion who were wounded in a clash against the Abu Sayyaf Group in Patikul, Sulu on Saturday were awarded medals for their service, according to a report by Marisol Abdurahman on 24 Oras Sunday.

Five soldiers were killed and 18 wounded among the military, while three terrorists were killed, including a foreigner known by the moniker "Black Moro."

According to initial reports from the military, he was allegedly one of those who volunteered to bomb the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cathedral.

“Close flight talaga 'yun and medyo zero visibility kaya at risk talaga 'yung mga tropa natin kung magpo-provide ng air support,” said Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega of the Western Mindanao Command of the armed encounter.

Despite the difficulty, the rangers were able to occupy the ASG's strongholds.

On Saturday, some of the wounded soldiers were sent to Zamboanga City for treatment. — Joviland Rita/BM, GMA News