One soldier killed, nine wounded in Sulu clash vs Abu Sayyaf

June 23, 2020

One soldier was killed while nine others were wounded in a clash with the Abu Sayyaf  members in Sulu on Monday.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, WestMinCom Commander, said the firefight resulted in the death of one soldier while nine other troops were wounded.

"It is with deep sadness to report that one valiant military officer paid the ultimate sacrifice and nine personnel were wounded while fearlessly fighting the enemies and protecting the people of Sulu," he said.

"The family of our fallen comrade will immediately be notified and ensures that all forms of assistance are provided," he added. 

Major Arvin Encinas, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command spokesman. said the soldiers of the 32nd Infantry Battalion encounter undetermined number of local terrorists in Sitio Tubig Bukayon, Barangay Pansul in Patikul.

Encinas said the troops were conducting intensified offensive against the local terrorist group when the clash happened.

Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Joint Task Force Sulu (JTF) Sulu commander, said the government troops are "still pursuing the withdrawing enemies who left several bloodstains on their tracks."

"The skirmishes between our forces and the ASG persist. As we actively support the civil government in preventing the spread of COVID-19, we also ensure that the people in the community are safe. Robina Asido/DMS