Soldier killed, 4 others hurt in clash with Abu Sayyaf

MANILA, Philippines - One soldier was killed while four others were hurt in an hour-long clash with Abu Sayyaf terrorists in Patikul, Sulu last Sunday, the military said.

Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command spokesperson Cpt. Rowena Muyuela said members of the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion encountered about 60 bandits at around 4 p.m. in Mt. Pula in Barangay Bungkaong.

The bandits are believed to be members of Abu Sayyaf sub-group Ajang-Ajang under Hatib Aseri and Basarun Arok.

The clash left one soldier dead and four others wounded.

The Ajang-Ajang sub-group, which operates in Barangays Latih, Danag, and Bungkaong, has been tagged in the ambush of Army troops in the same province last Jan. 30 that left two soldiers injured.

Meanwhile, members of the Joint Task Group Sulu on Monday seized an Abu Sayyaf camp in Barangay Langhub also in Patikul town.

Muyuela said the camp can accommodate about 100 persons.

Soldiers recovered empty shells of firearms, a marble gun, four jungle hammocks, a handheld radio, two civilian boots, nine backpacks, pants and military shirts, a solar panel, 21 water containers, three solar headlights, two pairs of sandals and six pairs of slippers.