Regional News

Philippine News Agency

September 21, 2020

Soldiers, ASG Bandits Clash Anew in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Three soldiers were wounded as government troops continue focused military operation against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits who are still holding captive five Indonesian fishermen in Sulu.

Brig. Gen. William Gonzales, Army’s 11th Infantry Division commander, said the clash took place Sunday in Sitio Bud Kaha, Barangay Bungkaung, Patikul, Sulu.

Gonzales, who is also the Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said the clash lasted for about 45 minutes after the troops chanced upon more or less 20 bandits while on combat operation.

“Three of our soldiers were slightly wounded in the encounter and we pray for their fast recovery,” Gonzales said.

He did not release the identities of the injured soldiers who belong to the 45th Infantry Battalion.

He said the casualties on the side of the ASG bandits are yet to be determined.

The Sulu-based ASG bandits are still holding captives the Indonesian fishermen kidnapped on January 16, this year, in the waters between Tambisan and Kuala Meruap, Lahad Datu, Sabah, close to the Philippine sea border.

“We sustain our focused military operations to destroy enemy strongholds and to thwart the terror plots of the local terrorist group,” said Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command. (PNA)

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