7 soldiers wounded in clashes with Abus

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines —  Seven Scout Rangers were wounded in encounters with Abu Sayyaf bandits in Patikul, Sulu on Wednesday.

Maj. Arvin John Encinas, spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said five members of the First Scout Ranger Battalion were wounded in gunfights with around 30 followers of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan in Sitio Kan Mindang, Barangay Pangdanon.

The wounded soldiers were brought to a military hospital at Camp Gen. Teodulfo Bautista in Jolo.

Encinas said five improvised explosive devices, a detonating cord, medical and food supplies and 15 kilos of rice were among those recovered from an Abu Sayyaf camp seized by government troopers.

“The lair and the withdrawal route of the enemy, which were marked with heavy bloodstains, indicated that the Abu Sayyaf suffered an undetermined number of casualties,” he said.

Encinas said two soldiers were wounded in pursuit operations in Sitio Kanlimbungan, Barangay Tanum.

Westmincom chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said the military would continue the offensive until the remaining Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sulu are neutralized.

Sobejana said the military also remains open for those who are willing to lay down their arms.