Military deaths in clash with Abu Sayyaf rise to 15

Patikul, Sulu (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — The military’s death toll in Monday’s clash in Patikul, Sulu, has risen to 15 as the battle dragged on towards sunset.

Major Filemon Tan Jr., spokesperson of the Western Mindanao Command, said 10 other soldiers were wounded in the firefight that took place in Sitio Kan Jalul in Barangay Maligay between soldiers and Abu Sayyaf bandits.

Majority of the casualties were from the 35th Infantry Battalion, said Tan.