10 Abu Sayyaf men slain in Sulu clash

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Ten Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed in an encounter with soldiers in Patikul, Sulu on Friday. 

Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, Western Mindanao Command spokesman, yesterday said the number of fatalities was based on the report of villagers and personnel of the Joint Task Force Sulu.  

Five soldiers of the 41st Infantry Battalion had been earlier reported killed while 23 others were wounded in the firefight in Barangay Liang at around 4 p.m. 

The soldiers launched the operation to rescue the remaining hostages of the Abu Sayyaf.

The military said 15 of those wounded were flown to a military hospital in this city. Eight other soldiers were brought to a military hospital at Camp Teodulfo Bautista in Barangay Busbus, Jolo. 

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. ordered government troopers to intensify its campaign to rescue the remaining hostages.

Galvez flew to Jolo on Sunday afternoon to visit the wounded soldiers, award medals and give financial assistance.

The slain soldiers – Cpls. Bryan Apalin, John Raphy Francisco and Marlon Manuel and Pfc. Marlon Labbutan – all natives of Northen Luzon,  were given funeral honors before their bodies were airlifted from the Edwin Andrews Air Base in this city. They were also given a hero’s welcome upon their arrival at the Cauayan airport in Isabela at about 3 p.m. yesterday. 

The number of Abu Sayyaf captives is down to six after Filipino captive Helen Roda was freed last Thursday allegedly after  payment of P1 million in ransom. 

A Dutch man, a Vietnamese and four Filipinos remain in the hands of the Abu Sayyaf. – With Michael Punongbayan, Raymund Catindig