5 hurt in Abu Sayyaf’s attack in Sulu on Christmas eve

Bursts of automatic gunfire coming from alleged Abu Sayyaf bandits shattered the Christmas party of soldiers in Sulu, leaving four soldiers and a civilian wounded, the military said Monday.

Soldiers from the Bravo Company of the Army’s 32nd Infantry Battalion were preparing their modest dinner on Christmas eve in their command post in Brgy. Taglibi, Patikul town, when about 20 members of the Abu Sayyaf fired M203 grenade launchers at them shortly before 7 p.m., Joint Task Force Sulu Commander Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said.

“The troops retaliated and exchange of fires lasted for about 25 minutes leaving four soldiers slightly wounded. One civilian was also injured,” he said.

The four soldiers who sustained shrapnel wounds were identified as: Sgt. Ramonito Kilat; Sgt. Abutallib Alling; Cpl. Jun-mar Lomonggo; and Pfc Rodelio Domingo. The civilian who was wounded was identified as Carmina Yusop.

The victims were brought to Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Station Hospital in Jolo for treatment.

“All adjacent units were directed to establish a strong defensive position,” Sobejana said.

The indirect fires towards the Abu Sayyaf position prompted them to withdraw. Sobejana could not determine if there were wounded bandits but said “thick bloodstains” were seen at the withdrawal route of the terrorists. /je