(Eagle News) — Six soldiers were killed and four others were injured after they clashed with Abu Sayyaf members and sympathizers in Basilan on Wednesday.
Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command, made the announcement in a press statement released on Thursday.
According to Colonel Juvymax Uy, commander of Joint Task Force Basilan, the soldiers were members of the 18th Infantry Battalion, who conducted a strike operation against the Abu Sayyaf under Siar Alhamsirol and Parong Tedi in Barangay Upper Cabengbeng, Sumisip, at 12:41 p.m.
The rebel group, however, was able to get reinforcements.
“As they edged towards the circumferential road, operating troops were met with heavy fire by lawless elements believed to be relatives and sympathizers of the Abu Sayyaf bandits,” Uy said.
He said the firefight lasted for around four hours, with the Air Force giving close air support to fighting government troops past 2 p.m., and members of the 64th and 68th Infantry Battalions reinforcing them.
The remains of the six soldiers have been transported to Zamboanga, while the wounded are currently receiving medical treatment at the Camp Navarro General Hospital and another hospital.
The military said the rebel group also sustained a still-undetermined number of casualties.
“As we mourn, combat operations against the bandits will be intensified with our intelligence operations and sustained campaign to defeat the remaining terrorists,” Galvez said.
