Soldier killed, 2 others wounded in Abu Sayyaf attack in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Zamboanga del Sur—The military confirmed losing one soldier while two others were wounded in an attack by Abu Sayyaf terrorists in Sulu on Tuesday.

First Lieutenant Jerrica Manongdo, spokesperson of the Army’s Joint Task Force Sulu, said they lost Private Joefrazen Tawasil, 25, of the 45th Infantry Battalion when the bandits attacked their truck while moving along Maligay Road, in Barangay Tugas, Patikul town on Tuesday night.

Manongdo said the attack was carried out by gunmen under Abu Sayyaf subleader Ellam Nasirin whose forces have been feeling the pressure of continued military operations on their lair.

Two of Tawasil’s companions, identified only as Privates Morales and Mulkiri, were wounded and are currently recuperating at the military station hospital in Jolo.

The Joint Task Force Sulu said they were saddened over the death of Tawasil, who was among the Tausug graduates of recent military training in 2021, inspired by his brother, who is also a soldier.

Residents of Sulu also denounced the attack saying it was meant to destroy the gains of peace achieved in many communities through the partnership of civilian authorities and the military.

“We have done enough, so we will continue working for peace,” said Tugas village chief Saujar Bara.