Military claims killing 5 Abu Sayyaf men in Sulu clash

Five suspected Abu Sayyaf terrorists were killed following a clash with Marines in Sulu Tuesday morning, a regional military commander said. 

Citing field reports, Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, commander of Joint Task Group Sulu, said the encounter occurred at 8:10 a.m. when elements of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 8 engaged about 40 terrorists in Barangay Liang in Patikul town.

The Abu Sayyag group was headed by Ninok Sapari.

But of the five fatalities claimed by the military, only one body was recovered. There were no reported casualties on the government side. 

The government forces also recovered seven high-powered firearms, several rounds of different ammunition and other war materials.

Arrojado said Sapari's unit could be the main Abu Sayyaf group that was engaged by the MLBT on Sunday.  — RSJ, GMA News