2 Sayyaf men wounded in Sulu clash

MANILA, Philippines – Two Abu Sayyaf bandits were wounded yesterday in an encounter with government forces in Patikul, Sulu, a military official said.

Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, chief of the Armed Forces Joint Task Group Sulu, said members of the 10th and 11th Scout Ranger Company clashed with about 20 Abu Sayyaf, led by a certain Ninok Sapari, in Barangay Bungkaong at around 3 p.m.

The firefight lasted for about 15 minutes and left two bandits wounded.

Arrojado said civilians in the area saw the two wounded men being carried by their comrades. Government forces did not suffer casualties during the firefight. 

The firefight happened two weeks after unidentified armed men abducted three foreigners in a resort on Samal Island in Davao Oriental.