Soldier wounded in clash vs alleged Abu Sayyaf in Sulu

August 30, 2019

A soldier was wounded in clash with alleged Abu Sayyaf members in Sulu on Friday morning.

Major Arvin Encinas, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command spokesman, said based on initial report soldiers were conducting route security when they were fired upon by around five armed men in the vicinity of Sitio Bangkawan, Brgy Tanum, Patikul at 8am.

Encinas said the Abu Sayyaf used small firearms and one round of M-203 grenade launchers.

"Immediately, the troops returned fire and after which the enemy withdrew towards south," he said.

Encinas said a soldier under Army's 20th Special Forces Company identified as Private First Class Ferdinand Payumo was wounded from a shrapnel wound on his back. Robina Asido/DM