Two soldiers killed, 10 wounded in fresh encounter with ASG in Sulu

By Ronron
April 12, 2007

Two government soldiers were killed while 10 others were wounded following an encounter last Wednesday against the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sulu province, a military spokesman said yesterday.

Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr., Philippine Army Public Information Officer, said the fresh firefight happened at around 1pm the other day (Wednesday) at Sitio Marang, Barangay Buansa in Indanan town.

Torres said members of the Alpha Company of the Philippine Army’s 35th Infantry Battalion were conducting pursuit operations against ASG members under the command of Radulan Sahiron and Dr. Abu when they caught up with the group, with a force of about 100 in size.

The fierce exchange of gunfire resulted in the death of two soldiers and the wounding of 10 others, whose identities are not yet immediately available.

Many terrorists were also believed to have been killed but their bodies were not recovered, said Torres.

“Upon learning about the incident, Lt. Gen. Romeo Tolentino, Commanding General of the Philippine Army, gave instructions to the troop commander to make sure that the casualties are taken cared of even while pursuit operations are being conducted,” Torres said.

He disclosed that the cadavers of the two slain soldiers were immediately claimed by their relatives for immediate burial, while the wounded were brought to a hospital in Sulu for medical treatment.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has intensified its fight against the ASG and other terrorist groups in Sulu since August 1, 2006 with the launching of Operation Plan (OPLAN) Ultimatum.

The operation has so far claimed the heads of the top two leaders of the ASG, Khadaffy Janjalani, and Jainal Antel Sali, alias Abu Soliaman./DMS