ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — The military's Western Mindanao Command is open to any investigation into allegations that seven men killed in Patikul, Sulu last week were fruit-pickers and not Abu Sayyaf members. He said the Armed Forces of the Philippines has already issued its statement that the men were killed in a clash between troops and the Abu Sayyaf on September 14. The military said 17 soldiers and six Abu Sayyaf were wounded in the clash, which involved around 100 militants. He said troops retrieve the bodies of slain Abu Sayyaf from proper burial. He added the allegations have affected operations "because we are supposed to be focused on running after the Abu Sayyaf group [instead]."

Source: Philippine Star September 19, 2018 08:03 UTC