Suspected Abu Sayyaf member, soldier killed in Sulu clash - military

A suspected member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and a soldier were killed following an operation by the Joint Task Force – Sulu (JTF-Sulu) against the rebels in Patikul, Sulu on Monday, the military said.

In a statement, the military identified the suspected rebel as Omar Yakan, who is under ASG subleader Ellam Nasirin. Recovered from Yakan was a K3 squad automatic weapon.

The soldier was identified as Private First Class Jay Clint Pasingan.

Sergeant Michel Bagunu and Private First Class Celestino Tano, two soldiers who were wounded, are now stable at the Camp General Teodulfo Bautista Station hospital.

The JTF-Sulu conducted the operation, according to the military, after the ASG allegedly ambushed soldiers who were on their way to the pier to visit their families. A Tausug soldier was killed.

JTF-Sulu commander Major General William Gonzales expressed his condolences to the family and friends of Pasingan.

Gonzales said all troops in Patikul are on high alert as they pursue the remaining ASG members.

"We will remain relentless in our operations to finish off the Abu Sayyaf Group, and we will do our very best to bring peace in the region," Gonzales said.

"Our efforts to pursue peace and development in Sulu will only be possible with the active participation and cooperation of our people, who are the ultimate reason why we are serving in this part of the country,” he added. —VBL, GMA News