SULU – Three Abu Sayyaf militants and a soldier were killed in fierce clashes before dawn Thursday on Minis Island off Sulu’s Patikul town in southern Philippines, officials said.
Officials said two more soldiers were injured in the fighting after a group of marines sent to hunt down the Abu Sayyaf clashed with dozens of militants, sparking a battle on the island where the gunmen had been hiding.
By daybreak, troops recovered the bodies of the militants and two M14 rifles. The slain soldier, who name was not made public by the military, was taken by his companions to a military base in the capital town of Jolo. The wounded marines were evacuated to Camp Navarro General Hospital in Zamboanga City.
Army Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, a spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command, said the militants were under Abu Sayyaf commander Majid Emamil. He said the soldiers, all members of the Philippine Marine Ready Force-Sulu, fought about 50 gunmen. “Heavy skirmishes ensued resulting in the killing of three enemies based on body count, while a soldier died and two other personnel incurred minor injuries,” Besana said.
Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, the regional military commander, has ordered security forces to intensify offensives against the pro-ISIS group, which is holding several foreigners and Filipinos kidnapped in the South and Sabah in Malaysia.
“The Joint Task Force Sulu continues to intensify the conduct of offensives against the Abu Sayyaf to neutralize the bandits. All measures are now being undertaken in accordance with the rules of engagement, and with the support of the local government and the populace,” he said.
Dela said they were saddened by the loss of a brave soldier. “We are deeply saddened by the news that another gallant soldier was killed during the encounter of our troops with the Abu Sayyafs bandits. Rest assured that we will extend all sorts of assistance to the bereaved family,” he said.
There were no reports if any of the hostages had been spotted on the island. (Mindanao Examiner)
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