INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — An alleged member of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) was killed while two other soldiers were injured in an encounter in Patikul, Sulu, the Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) of the Philippine Army said on Tuesday.
The Wesmincom said troops from the 111th Division Reconnaissance Company (111DRC) and 32nd Infantry Battalion (32IB) figured in an encounter with the group of Mudzrimar Sawadjaan, a.k.a. Mundi in Barangay Kabbon Takas on Monday morning.
“Due to the superior firepower of the 111DRC troopers, the enemies quickly withdrew. While evading the military troops, the ASG members chanced upon the military reinforcement from the 32IB. Another firefight ensued, after which the enemies fled bringing along their casualties with them,” the Wesmincom said in a statement.
The killed suspected ASG member was identified as Rhudymar Habib Jihiran, a.k.a. Gulam. His remains were turned over to the Philippine National Police.
Government troops also recovered a high-powered gun along with another war materiel.
The two wounded soldiers are currently at the Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital and were last listed in stable condition. (Denver Godezano, INQUIRER.net trainee)