7 soldiers wounded in separate encounters with suspected Abu Sayyaf members in Sulu

Seven soldiers were wounded following separate clashes with suspected Abu Sayyaf men in Patikul, Sulu on Wednesday, a regional military spokesperson said Thursday.

According to Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command’s Major Arvin Encinas, the first encounter lasted for 50 minutes when operating troops of the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion engaged the local terrorists at Sitio Kan Mindang in Barangay Pangdanon.

Encinas said five soldiers were rushed to Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Busbus, Jolo for treatment.

Major General Corleto Vinluan, commander of Joint Task Force Sulu, said a number of bandits were wounded and probably died due to loss of blood as soldiers have seen bloodstains in the position of enemies.

Seized in the area of encounter were five improvised explosive device, medical supplies, food supplies, 30 pieces empty gallons, personal belongings, detonating cord, lead wire, 15 kilograms of rice, a poncho, laminated sacks, one hammock, empty shells of 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm link and two backpacks.

Furthermore, soldiers were able to discover the encampment of the local terrorists after the firefight.

While the soldiers were pursuing the fleeing local terrorists, another encounter transpired at Sitio Kanlimbungan in Barangay Tanum on Wednesday afternoon.

The military said the firefight, which lasted for 20 minutes, injured another two soldiers.

Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of WestMinCom, lauded the troops for their dedication to their duties.

“I enjoin all the troops to press on until all the remaining bandits are neutralized and the peace that the people of Sulu are longing for is attained,” Sobejana said.

“But while military operations are vigorously undertaken, I encourage the remaining bandits to lay down their arms and end conflicts in a peaceful way,” he added. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News