Military to probe Sulu clash

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The military has formed a board of inquiry to look into Thursday’s clash in Patikul, Sulu, in which the Marines took a heavy toll, a military spokesperson said Monday.

Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang of the Western Mindanao Command, said the board will be made up of representatives from the Armed Forces of the Philippines headquarters and from the Westmincom.

“This is to conduct a probe on the Patikul encounter,” he said.

At least seven Marine soldiers were killed and 27 others were injured when they clashed with Abu Sayyaf gunmen in Panglahayan village.

Five of the dead soldiers had also been beheaded and mutilated.

There were suspicions the Marines were ambushed as they were patrolling Panglahayan.