ZAMBOANGA CITY – At least five Abu Sayyaf gunmen were killed on Tuesday as the military continued its combat operation in Sulu.
Maj. Gen. Mayoralgo dela Cruz, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, told the Inquirer that Marine soldiers under Lt. Col. Wilfredo Manalang “hit” a large group of some 40 bandits in Patikul town.
Dela Cruz said no soldier was harmed in the incident that took place in Barangay Liang around 8:10 a.m.
Dela Cruz said only one dead body belonging to a still unidentified bandit had been recovered, along with seven assault rifles of various caliber, ammunition, two motorbikes and other items.
“This is a continuing operation aimed at the defeat of the Abu Sayyaf and also to safely rescue all their kidnap victims” he said. CDG
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