7 soldiers hurt in rescue mission for Sayyaf captives in Sulu

SEVEN Army soldiers were injured in clashes with the Abu Sayyaf group in Sulu during a mission to rescue foreign and local captives of the bandits.

Captain Rowena Muyuela, spokesperson of the Western Mindanao Command, said by phone that seven soldiers from the Joint Task Group Sulu were “slightly wounded” in the firefight that started on Wednesday afternoon in Indanan town.

“They are currently in a hospital in Jolo and may be transferred here in Zamboanga City within the day,” she said.

Members of the Army’s 1st Scout Ranger Battalion led the operations in a village at about 5:25 p.m. and fought about 100 members of the Abu Sayyaf.

The military said the assault killed 15 Abu Sayyaf bandits but only five bodies were recovered.

On Thursday, two coastguardsmen men held captive by the bandits were able to escape during the clashes.

SN2 Gringo Villaruz and SN1 Rod Pagaling were abducted last May in Zamboanga del Norte. They were taken along with Barangay Aliguay Chairman Rodolfo Buligao.

Buligao was beheaded and his body was found in Maimbung town last August 11 after the demand of P1-million ransom by the Abu Sayyaf was not met.

The Abu Sayyaf is still holding nine hostages, including four foreigners and five Filipinos. Frances Mangosing