Philippines: 11 soldiers killed in clashes with Abu Sayyaf fighters
The Bangsamoro regional police and the military’s Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) have launched operations to identify and arrest the Abu Sayyaf Group bandits that encountered and killed 11 Army soldiers and wounded 14 others in Patikul, Sulu last Friday.
Westmincom commander Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said yesterday that the 11 slain troopers were members of the Delta Company of the Army’s 21st Infantry Battalion that is part of the units trying to clear Sulu of Abu Sayyaf terrorists. Officials said 14 other soldiers were wounded.
Sobejana said combined forces belonging to Joint Task Force Sulu have been mobilized to track down the bandits.
“The hot pursuit is ongoing on the ground,” said Sobejana.