Three bandits were killed while 10 soldiers were wounded in a firefight in Sulu on Friday morning, the military said.
Joint Task Group Sulu commander Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado said members of the Marine Battalion Landing Team figured with about 300 members of the Abu Sayyaf in Mt. Awak in Barangay Latih in Patikul around 6:29 a.m.
The encounter lasted for about an hour, with the Marines firing 81 mm mortars toward the Abu Sayyaf.
The killed Abu Sayyaf members were Umaili Jarmaani of Barangay Maligay; Aljimar Barin of Barangay Buhanginan, and Ardam Muhajili of Barangay Bangkal, all from Patikul, Sulu.
Among the Abu Sayyaf leaders who took part in the firefight were Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, Muamar Askali, Almuktar Sudduung, Namiel Ahajari, Basaron Arok and an unidentified follower of Yasser Igassan.
Also sighted in the clashes were Jemaah Islamiyah members Amin Bacu alias Abu Jihad, Muhamad Mahmud, Muhamad Alih and another unidentified JI member.
The 10 wounded soldiers were airlifted to a military hospital in Zamboanga City using two Hueys. All of them are in stable condition.
Meanwhile, a platoon was sent to reinforce the troops in pursuing the bandits who escaped following the encounter. Frances Mangosing, Julie M. Aurelio/CDG/RC