5 soldiers killed, 28 wounded in clash with Abu Sayyaf

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Five soldiers were killed and 26 others were wounded in firefights with up to 300 Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members in Talipao town in Sulu early Friday afternoon, November 14, the military said.

It is the first major encounter since the military and the police launched a series of offensives against the local terrorist group last month.

Two separate Army Scout Ranger companies encountered the ASG unit under senior commander Radullan Sahiron in the jungles of barangay Bud Bunga in Talipao, according Task Force Group Sulu commander Colonel Alan Arrojado.

“It’s a major encounter. As of now the fighting is over. We are tracking their whereabouts. We are pursuing them,” he said. 

Arrojado said at least 9 Abu Sayyaf members were also killed in the gun battle. 

The 5 soldiers killed-in-action were identified as the following:

• Private First Class Gabby Achas
• Private First Class Albert Villalona
• Private First Class Samuel Taloyan
• Private First Class Joey Blanche
• Private First Class Alison Caro

Military choppers were immediately deployed to evacuate the government casualties and to launch air strikes against the fleeing bandits.

Arrojado said more troops were sent to block the escape routes while. “We will continously pursue the bandits in their jungle hideouts,” he said. 

A trauma center was also prepared to provide medical attention for the soldiers.

The military and the police launched on October 18 a major offensive against the ASG, a day after the terror group released 2 German hostages for a reported ransom payment of P250 million. President Benigno Aquino III vowed to wipe them out. – with reports from Karlos Manlupig/Rappler.com