Death toll in Sulu encounter rises to 16

From ABS-CBN (May 26): Death toll in Sulu encounter rises to 16

(UPDATED) The death toll in Saturday’s clash in Patikul, Sulu between Philippine Marines and members of the Abu Sayyaf group has reached 16, according to the latest information released by the Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom).

Wesmincom PIO Col. Rodrgio Gregorio said nine members of the ASG were killed in the encounter, while 15 more bandits were wounded.

Meanwhile, 24 others were wounded in the firefight.

Seven Filipino marines died in yesterday’s firefight. At least nine soldiers were also injured and airlifted to the Camp Navarro General Hospital.

The Wesmincom will have a send off ceremony to honor their fallen comrades on Sunday afternoon. The coffins of the seven dead soldiers will be boarding a C130 at the Edwin Andrews Air Base in Zamboanga City.

Earlier, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista said the Marines involved in the encounter were completing the final part of their training and conducting a test mission when the clash happened.

The troops were responding to a series of kidnapping incidents in the area, including the case of the wife of a Marine.

Bautista said the operations will continue in Patikul, Sulu to rescue the other kidnapping victims of the Abu Sayyaf.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/05/26/13/death-toll-sulu-encounter-rises-14