The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced that the
number of troopers wounded in the law enforcement operation against Abu Sayyaf
Group (ASG) bandits in Barangay Tanum, Patikul town, Sulu Wednesday morning has
now climbed to 16.
This count is higher by four than the 12 reported earlier,
AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Harold Ca Cabunoc said.
Number of soldiers killed in the engagement that started
9:20 a.m. still stands at two, he added.
Slain ASG bandits still stand at five and another 14
wounded.
Most of the wounded were hit by shrapnel fired from ASG
M-203 grenade launchers during engagements that took place 11 a.m. and 1:00
p.m.
He said government security troops were conducting law
enforcement operations against the lawless group when the fighting began with
an estimated 300 ASG bandits, which includes those from Basilan and headed by
Furiji Indama, along with two suspected members of the Jemaah Islamiyah.
He added that the Basilan-based ASG were forced to
consolidate with Sulu compatriots due to pressure exerted by local government
units and their security forces.
As of this posting, gun-battles are still ongoing.
Cabunoc said that the ASG sustained severe casualties in the
encounter as government forces were able to locate their locations and ambush
them.
He added that five ASG bandits were definitely confirmed
killed by pursuing soldiers but their compatriots were able to drag the bodies
along with those wounded.
Cabunoc said field artillery units and Philippine Air Force
MD MG-520 attack helicopters pounded bandit positions, further pressuring the
ASG.
Western Mindanao Command spokesperson Capt. Rowena Muyuela
said the ongoing operation aims to capture or neutralize ASG bandits headed by
Hatib Sawadjaan.
"Operation is a joint effort of the AFP , Philippine
National Police and LGU in Sulu to seize lawless elements responsible in the
series of kidnappings and other atrocities in the province of Sulu
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=738935
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