6 Sayyaf, 2 soldiers killed in Sulu clashes

TWO soldiers and six Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed in clashes in Sulu on Thursday, the military said.

The military said 15 soldiers were wounded in the gunfight and were brought to hospital.

The two military fatalities were enlisted personnel  while two Captains who are company commanders were among the wounded.

Soldiers from the 32nd Infantry Battalion encountered about 300 bandits around 10 a.m. in sitio (sub-village) Nangka in Barangay (village) Gata in Talipao, Armed Forces Public Affairs Office chief Lieutenant Colonel Harold Cabunoc told reporters at Camp Aguinaldo.

The encounter happened when members of the ASG were sighted in Bud Bagsak.

The Philippine Air Force gave air cover for the engaged troops.

As of posting time, pursuit of the bandits is ongoing, Cabunoc said.

The injured soldiers will be brought to Zamboanga City for further medical treatment.  AC