7 killed as Army Scout Rangers clash with Abus

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Two Army Scout Rangers and five bandits were killed and 23 others were wounded following a shootout between government troops and the Abu Sayyaf  in the mountains of Patikul, Sulu yesterday morning.

Fourteen of the wounded were Abu Sayyaf bandits and nine were Scout Rangers and Army Special Forces soldiers.

Capt. Maria Rowena Muyuela, Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) spokesperson, said the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion and the 16th Special Forces Company fought 300 Abu Sayyaf bandits under the command of Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan at about 9:20 a.m. at Barangay Tanum, Patikul town.

“Fierce encounter ensued and troops were being provided with artillery fire and airstrike support against the bigger number of enemies,” she said, quoting reports from Col. Alan Arrojado, Joint Task Group Sulu commander.

Initially, five Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed and 14 wounded in the attack of government troops, Arrojado said.

However, the Abu Sayyaf could have suffered more casualties following the ground and air attack, he added.

Residents near the military base said that the military unleashed rounds of 105mm howitzers.

The military said the offensive was a joint effort of the Armed Forces, Philippine National Police (PNP)  and the local government to flush out the Abu Sayyaf held responsible for a series of kidnappings and other atrocities in Sulu and nearby areas.

Police and military detachments and patrol bases were directed to set up blockades and checkpoints to stop the removal of Abu Sayyaf casualties and their withdrawal, Arrojado said. – With Jaime Laude