ZAMBOANGA CITY: Government troopers who clashed with members of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in the hinterlands of Talipao, Sulu believe that the bandits were high on drugs during the fierce firefight that started on Friday afternoon and lasted well into the night.

The encounter resulted in the death of five soldiers and 10 bandits and injury to 41 others. Among those slain were Abu Sayyaf commanders Hairullah Asbang and Julie Ekit.