12 soldiers killed in clash with Abu Sayyaf in Sulu

Army soldiers in action in Sulu (INQUIRER MINDANAO FILE PHOTO)

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Twelve government troops were killed in a clash with Abu Sayyaf bandits in Patikul, Sulu, on Monday afternoon.

Major Filemon Tan Jr., spokesperson of the Western Mindanao Command, said the slain soldiers were members of the 35th Infantry Battalion who clashed with about 70 Abu Sayyaf fighters in Sitio Kan Jalul in Barangay Maligay.

The bandits were led by Radulan Sahiron.

Tan said five soldiers were also wounded in the clash. SFM

Patikul, Sulu (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)