ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Fresh fighting erupted in the jungle of Patikul town, Sulu before midday on Saturday when Army rangers engaged a reported 100 members of the Abu Sayyaf in a firefight. Troops from the 5th Scout Ranger Battalion got into a firefight with the group of Abu Sayyaf leader Hajan Sawadjaan at Sitio Sungkog in Barangay Kabbon Takas, a security official said. Besana said that, based on field reports, the Abu Sayyaf have suffered an undetermined number of casualties. Besana said troops have been mobilized to keep the Abu Sayyaf group from slipping out of the area. The fighting on Saturday was the third between government forces and the Abu Sayyaf since Sunday.

Source: Philippine Star February 02, 2019 08:35 UTC