7 Abu Sayyaf terrorists killed in Sulu clash - Army general

Seven suspected Abu Sayyaf terrorists were killed while six others, including sub-leader Radullan Sahiron were reportedly wounded following a clash with Army soldiers in Sulu, a regional Army commander said Friday.

In a text message to reporters, Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, commander of Joint Task Group Sulu, said the clash erupted 9:15 a.m. when operating troops from the Army's 10th Infantry Battalion engaged about 100 terrorists under Sahiron at Sitio Maggi, Barangay Panglayahan in Patikul town.

The firefight lasted until 10:40 a.m., Arrojado said.

The US State Dept. has put up a $1 million-bounty for Sahiron's arrest. On the other hand, the Philippine government has a P5-million reward for the Abu Sayyaf leader's arrest. 

Aside from Sahiron, Arrojado said other Abu Sayyaf personalities reportedly wounded were Asari Sajail and Almujer Yada. 

However, there were no bodies recovered from the clash site. "We just monitored it. They were able to retrieve their dead," Arrojado said, citing intelligence information.

Meanwhile, a government soldier was killed while 16 others were wounded in the firefight, Arrojado said.

Additional troops were sent to conduct pursuit operations against the big terrorist group.

The government casualties were airlifted from the clash site. — RSJ, GMA News