(Eagle News)– Marine Col. Edgard Arevalo told reporters on Tuesday that at least 12 government troopers were injured in series of encounters with the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sulu.
“Mayroon tayong 12 wounded. Kung tutuusin hindi lang eksaktong 12 ang wounded sa atin because hindi lahat ‘yun nadadala sa hospital,” Arevalo explained.
“Yung ibang kasamahan nating sundalo they opt to stay on the frontline especially if they feel na (even with) ‘yung wound nila, kaya pa nilang ipagpatuloy (ang bakbakan). Gusto pa nilang ipagpatuloy ang laban. Gusto nilang ipagpatuloy ang kanilang mission kahit na sila ay may tama,” he added.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) got its biggest casualty when they encountered 120 ASG members in Sitio Kan Jalul, Brgy. Maligay also in Patikul, Sulu. Fifteen soldiers were killed.
Arevalo admitted that ASG’s mastery of terrain led to this unfortunate incident.
Those killed in the clash are:
- 2Lt. Ernan P. Gusto, 33
- SSgt. Ruel A Catubay, 39
- Sgt. Jay Erwin L Almohallas, 38
- Cpl. Omar M Raddulan, 41
- Cpl. Ronald M Galoniga, 33
- Cpl. Elid S Ismael, 49
- Cpl. Salik H Mandangan, 31
- Pfc. Nestor C Bacaling, 26
- Pfc. Jison B Falcasantos, 28
- Pfc. Gerald A Yubal, 29
- Pfc. Dhendo A Dujo, 32
- Pfc. Roselito A Arnoco, 29
- Pfc. Glend C Resma, 24
- Pfc. Rogelio D Vincoy, 28
- Pvt. Jonas A Lumayan, 23