AT least eight Abu Sayyaf members were slain while 22 others, including Abu Sayyaf Group leader Radullan Sahiron, were hurt when government forces clashed with about 100 bandits Friday morning in Patikul, Sulu, the military reported on Friday.
Brigadier General Alan Arrojado, commander of Joint Task Group Sulu, said the battle started at 9:15 a.m. at Sitio Maggi, Barangay Panglayahan in Patikul and ended around 10:40 a.m.
“Operating units of the 10th Infantry Battalion under Lieutenant Colonel Jacinto encountered more or less 100 Abu Sayyaf bandits under sub-leader Radullan Sahiron,” he said.
He said “seven unidentified bandits were killed and wounded.” Three of the wounded were identified as Radullan Sahiron, Asari Sajail and Almujer Yada, who was hit by bullet on the left leg,” Arrojado said.
Arrojado said they are trying to verify initial reports that Sahiron was hurt.
On the government side, Arrojado said they suffered one casualty and 16 wounded.
Arrojado said they are now pursuing the fleeing extremists and more troops have been dispatched to possible exit routes in a bid to contain them in limited area where they can be hit by artillery and close air support.
“Operating troops from the 32nd and 44th IBs have moved to encircle the battle areas,” Arrojado said.
On Thursday, Arrojado said three Abu Sayyaf members, who are believed to be behind the killing of two military intelligence operatives earlier this week, were captured in Patikul.
He identified the suspects as Jemar Asgari, 22, and Alden Asmad, 29, both residents of Baragay Darayan in Patikul, and Dems Abtal, 28, of Barangay Lower Sinumaan in Talipao, Sulu.
The suspects were captured at 11:40 a.m. by a team led by Major Ibni Saddama in the vicinity of Barangay Bangkal.
“These individuals were seen tucking in with short firearm while riding in tandem on board Kawasaki Fury motorcycle with plate 7260 JD. They were chased by the joint security forces until they were cornered and apprehended,” Arrojado said.
The general added that the suspects are also suspected of being responsible for the liquidation of policemen at the Jolo airport and the recent ambush of intelligence personnel of the 10th Infantry Battalion last March 15.
