ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Two soldiers and three Abu Sayyaf bandits were wounded in two separate encounters in Patikul, Sulu on Thursday.
Two of the wounded bandits were identified as Ben Ahajarin and Ben Kerino and the wounded soldiers as Pfc. Celito Carag, and T/Sgt. Nicar Escarola.
Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, commander of Joint Task Group Sulu, said the firefight occurred when soldiers from the 11th and 16th Scout Ranger Company encountered some 150 Abu Sayyaf members in Sitio Kaupitan, Barangay Tugas around 2:10 p.m.
Namel Ahajarin, Basaron Arok and Ullah led the bandits.
Arrojado said the firefight lasted 45 minutes, forcing the militants to retreat.
He said another group of soldiers clashed with around 60 Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sitio Tubalon in Barangay Kabuntakas.