MANILA, Philippines – A firefight between the military and terrorist group Abu Sayyaf in Patikul, Sulu, on Friday afternoon killed 11 soldiers and wounded 14 others, Western Mindanano Command chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said. “This afternoon, we lost 11 brave soldiers and 14 others were injured while securing the people of Sulu from the cruelty of the Abu Sayyaf,” Sobejana said in a report. Arevalo also clarified that the firefight occurred during a military pursuit operation, after two major encounters against the Abu Sayyaf. “This pursuit operation that also had 14 troopers wounded-in-action followed two major encounters the previous days where our soldiers inflicted heavy casualties to the enemy (killed and wounded) in both armed engagements. “The operations are still ongoing, according to MGEN Corleto Vinluan, the Commander of the Army 11th Infantry Division based in Sulu,” he added.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer April 17, 2020 13:33 UTC