Soldier, 4 ASG bandits killed in Sulu clash

From Politiko (Dec 14): Soldier, 4 ASG bandits killed in Sulu clash

A soldier and four other suspected members of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) were killed in an encounter in Sulu province, military said.

Troopers from the Joint Task Force Sulu had a clash with about 50 bandits under Majid Emamil on Minis Island in Patikul, Sulu early Thursday, December 13.

“Heavy skirmishes ensued, resulting in the killing of three enemies based on body count, while a soldier died and two other personnel incurred minor injuries,” Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) said in a statement.

While conducting further clearing operation in the encounter site, troops of the Philippine Marine Ready Force-Sulu under the Joint Task Force Sulu recovered another dead body of an ASG member in the mangrove area, it said in another statement.

Government troops also recovered in the encounter site two M14 rifles.

“We are deeply saddened by the news that another gallant soldier was killed during the recent encounter of our troops with the ASG bandits,” said Lt. Gen. Arnel B. Dela Vega, Westmincom commander.
He assured assistance to the bereaved family of the slain soldier.

“As we are nearing the end of 2018, we hope for peaceful resolutions rather than armed engagements in our quest for peace in the province of Sulu,” Dela Vega said.

https://mindanao.politics.com.ph/soldier-4-asg-bandits-killed-in-sulu-clash/