Duterte off to Zamboanga City following 15 soldiers’ deaths

President Rodrigo Duterte is on his way to Zamboanga City.

This comes, following the deaths of 15 soldiers on Monday in battles with the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu.

In a speech at the NAIA Terminal 2, he said, “pupunta ako doon. 15 ang patay na sundalo. Sayang ang bala. Bigay na lang natin ang perang pambili sa mga tao.”

He said, while the official count puts the death toll at 15, the actual figure could be 23 or 24 based on reports from the ground.

AFP Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) Spokesperson Filemon Tan said, the fallen soldiers will be given heroes' burial.

Three of those killed were already buried following Islamic practice.

After the trip to Zamboanga City, Duterte will proceed to Davao City.