Two more Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed and two others were wounded in the course of a massive hunt against some 40 bandits who figured in a bloody firefight with marine soldiers that resulted in the death of seven terrorists and three soldiers in Patikul, Sulu last week.
Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, spokesperson of the Western Mindanao Command, said the two bandits were pinned to death after challenging troopers in a fierce encounter in Barangay Lihbog Kabaw, Panglima Estino, Sulu at about 5:08 Tuesday morning.
Besana said operating elements of the 61st, 62nd and 64th marine companies were on focused military operation against the terrorist group when they chanced upon some 100 bandits, sparking intense clashes.
The killing of the two still unidentified Abus came after the same marine companies encountered around 40 heavily armed terrorists under sub-leader Alnijar Ekit and Aldi Alun in Barangay Timpook, Patikul.
At least seven bandits and three marine soldiers were killed in the day-long fighting which also killedd dozens of terrorist as the military launched a dragnet in the ridges of Patikul.
Besana said government forces suffered no casualties.
He said the two dead bodies and two wounded bandits were recovered by the troops after the renewed fighting as security forces strengthened its strategic offensive against the terrorist group.
Besana said the two captured bandits were evacuated to the Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital for treatment.
He added that operating troops continue its push towards the potential lairs of the ASG.
“I commend the troops of the Joint Task Force Sulu for the unrelenting efforts to eradicate this menace in our society,” said Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, commander of Westcom.