8 soldiers wounded in Sulu clash with Abus

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Eight soldiers were wounded in an encounter with Abu Sayyaf bandits in Patikul, Sulu on Wednesday. 

Personnel of the Joint Task Force Sulu encountered an undetermined number of bandits led by Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan in  Barangay Buhanginan at around 10:40 a.m., Maj. Arvin John Encinas, spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command, reported yesterday.  

Sawadjaan is said to be the most radical among Abu Sayyaf leaders who had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. He is also reportedly coddling foreign terrorists in Sulu.

Encinas said the bandits suffered an undetermined number of casualties, citing bloodstains on their abandoned position and escape route.

“Despite the casualties, operations have been ongoing,” he said. 

Encinas said military offensives against terrorist groups have been intensified amid reports that they are plotting bomb attacks that would target military installations and civilian communities.