ZAMBOANGA CITY—The military will continue its drive against armed groups while helping local governments and health authorities fight the spread of new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infections in Mindanao. In a somber note, Lt. General Cirilito Sobejana, Westmincom chief, hailed the heroism of the soldiers. “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 on Friday evening. ADVERTISEMENTOn Saturday, the dead and wounded soldiers were being evacuated from Sulu to Zamboanga City where the Westmincom is headquartered. Despite having its hands full assisting civilian agencies in the fight against COVID-19, the military in the south has been actively pursuing the Abu Sayyaf fighters.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer April 18, 2020 02:15 UTC