Military thinks aerial bombardment in Patikul, Sulu killed some terrorists

A still undetermined number of terrorists were wounded or killed in the aerial bombardment launched by the military in Patikul, Sulu last Friday, according to the commander of Joint Task Force Sulu.

Brigadier General Divino Rey Pabayo on Sunday said that government troops have yet to confirm intel reports that around 10 terrorists were killed in the assault that occurred in Barangay Kabuntakas.

"Masukal masyado, malaki, malaki 'yung area, ongoing pa na ini-scour...  wala pang body count talagang nakuha eh. May mga natamaan pero naidala, nabitbit 'yata nila [ng mga terorista]," Pabayo said.

He added that it has not been confirmed yet if Abu Sayyaf Group leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan was among those killed.

It has been previously reported that Sawadjaan, who was tagged as the mastermind of the cathedral bombing in Jolo, Sulu and the supposed acting emir of Islamic State in the country, was hiding in the town of Patikul.

Pabayo said that anti-terrorist operations are ongoing in the area. — Dona Magsino/BM, GMA News