8 soldiers wounded in Sulu clash with Abus

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Eight soldiers were wounded in an encounter with Abu Sayyaf bandits in Patikul, Sulu on Saturday.

Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, Western Mindanao Command spokesman, said personnel of the First Scout Ranger Battalion clashed with around 40 bandits led by Almujer Jada and Sonny Boy Sajirin in Barangay Bangkal at about 2:40 p.m.

Besana said the wounded soldiers were brought to a hospital at Camp Bautista in Barangay Bus-bus, Jolo for treatment.

The military said the bandits also suffered casualties, citing bloodstains on their escape route.

Besana said war materiel, including an improvised explosive device, were recovered at the scene.

Meanwhile, Suaib Hayudini, alias Enteng, a suspected follower of Abu Sayyaf leader Radullan Sahiron, was arrested in Barangay Walled City, Jolo on Sunday.

Chief Superintendent Graciano Mijares, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao police director, said the arrest was based on warrants for kidnapping and serious illegal detention and kidnapping with frustrated murder issued by courts in Metro Manila and Jolo in 2003.

Sahiron was tagged in the kidnapping of 10 Europeans, nine Malaysians and two Filipinos at a resort on Sipadan island in 2000. The captives were held in Sulu for five months and freed by batches after the alleged payment of hefty ransom.