Hundreds of families flee homes due to Sulu clash

MANILA, Philippines–Hundreds of families have been affected by the clashes between the military and Abu Sayyaf in Sulu, a local disaster agency said on Friday.

There were 185 families evacuated in Kabbon-Takas village, said Manuel Ochotorena, Director of Office of Civil Defense in Basulta (Basilan Sulu Tawi).

In Darayan village, 150 families were evacuated.

Seven soldiers were killed and 24 were wounded in the fighting in Patikul town that is considered as one of the bloodiest in recent months.

The military claimed that 10 militants were killed.

The Sulu provincial government and the local OCD will conduct relief operations on Saturday, Ochotorena said.