5 soldiers wounded in Sayyaf clashes

ZAMBOANGA CITY: Five soldiers were wounded on Friday in continuing clashes between government troopers and Abu Sayyaf rebels in southern Philippines, security officials said. In a report, it appeared that the soldiers clashed with Abu Sayyaf leaders Hairulah Asbang and Amlon Abtahi in Barangay Buhanginan in Sulu’s Patikul town. Security forces have been battling the rebel group since early this week in Patikul. Marine Captain Maria Rowena Muyuela, a spokeswoman for the Western Mindanao Command, said the soldiers were pursuing the rebels in the hinterlands and that more troops have been deployed to prevent the Abu Sayyaf band from escaping the military operation. She said the Abu Sayyaf may have suffered casualties in the military assault. Just this Thursday, troops killed Abu Sayyaf sub-leader ‘Murasil’ following a military assault on his hideout in the hinterlands. Murasil was under Hatib Hajan, who has gained notoriety because of the spate of kidnappings he masterminded. Earlier in the week, soldiers also seized an Abu Sayyaf camp in the Barangay Langhub, Patikul town following fierce clashes that left one soldier dead and four others injured. Soldiers also recovered various items from grenade casings to solar panels and backpacks left behind by the fleeing rebels.  The camp has dozens of structures, which can accommodate over 100 people.
Al Jacinto