MANILA, Philippines — An alleged Abu Sayyaf fighter was killed and 34 persons were rounded up for investigation during an anti-drug operation in Patikul, Sulu Wednesday morning, the military’s Western Mindanao Command said.
Captain Jo-Ann Petinglay, Westmincom spokesperson, said the alleged Abu Sayyaf member, identified only as Jah and described as a followed of Hairulla Asbang, died in “a fierce gun battle” with troops of the 45th Infantry Battalion when he and his companions resisted arrest in Barangay Danag.
A soldier was wounded but was described as in stable condition.
The government forces recovered an M16 rifle, three caliber .45 pistols, five hand grenades and drug paraphernalia, Petinglay said.
The 34 persons who were in the area of the clash were taken to the Sulu provincial police office for investigation.
Meanwhile, a soldier incurred minor wounds and was immediately extricated by the responding troops to the Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Hospital in Busbus, Jolo, Sulu for medical attention. He is already in a stable condition as of this report.
