Philippines: 3 militiamen killed and 17 troops hurt in clashes with Abu Sayyaf in Basilan
Three militiamen were killed while six soldiers, including two officers, and 11 other militiamen were wounded in clashes with Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sumisip, Basilan on Monday morning.
Captain Jo-Ann Petinglay, spokesperson of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said the first encounter happened at 7:15 a.m. in Barangay Cabcaban.
Another encounter occurred between the withdrawing bandits and reinforcing soldiers some 30 minutes later.
Petinglay said six soldiers and 11 militiamen were wounded in the second clash.