20 soldiers hurt in Sulu clash with Abu Sayyaf men

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — At least 20 soldiers were wounded while an Abu Sayyaf bandit was killed in an encounter in Patikul, Sulu yesterday. 

Lt. Gen. Gerry Besana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) spokesman, identified the fatality as Alpata Abdurasa.

Military sources said 18 soldiers were hit by shrapnel when the bandits fired rifle grenades while two others suffered gunshot wounds. The victims were brought to a military hospital at Camp Teodulfo Bautista in Barangay Bus-bus, Jolo. 

Soldiers belonging to the 41st Infantry Battalion clashed with around 40 bandits led by Indang Susukan and Ben Tattoo in Barangay Langhub at around 9:30 a.m., reports reaching Westmincom showed.

The Joint Task Force Sulu mobilized three battalions to reinforce the soldiers and prevent the bandits from escaping. 

It was the third military operation launched against the Abu Sayyaf in Patikul this week.