(Update) Death toll in Sulu clash now at 11

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 31): (Update) Death toll in Sulu clash now at 11

The death toll in the clash against military units and Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits in Patikul town, Sulu Wednesday afternoon has now climbed to 11, with one soldier and 10 brigands killed.

Western Mindanao Command (WMC) spokesperson Major Filemon Tan said in a message to PNA on Thursday that 15 ASGs were "fatally wounded."

Aside from the lone casualty in the military side, six other troopers were wounded, Tan added.

Tan said the wounded troops are now undergoing treatment at the Kutang Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Jolo, Sulu province.

All are now in stable condition and will be transported later to the Wesmincom headquarters, Camp Navarro Station Hospital in Zamboanga City for further treatment.

The clash between an estimated 300 ASG bandits under Hajan Sawadjaan and elements of the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion took place at 4:15 p.m. at Sitio Sangay, Barangay Buhanginan, Patikul.

Troopers were conducting "focused military operations" against the bandit group, believed to be holding the Samal Island victims whom they abducted last September, when the firefight erupted.

Pursuit operations are still ongoing.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=842429