Three Abu Sayyaf terrorists died while two soldiers were wounded in a recent clash in Patikul, Sulu, according to the military’s Joint Task Force Sulu. Security forces under the 11th Infantry Division (11ID), the task force said, encountered around 30 bandits who were confirmed to be under Hajan Sawadjaan, who was named by United States authorities as the new Islamic State “emir” for Southeast Asia. It added that the encounter at Sitio Gabang in Barangay Kaunayan in Patikul took place on Saturday, but this information was only disclosed to the media on Monday. The gun battle, where an undetermined number of terrorists were killed, lasted around 35 minutes. On the government’s side, it two soldiers got wounded with one of them injured on the left leg while the other one on his right hand.

The Sawadjaan group has been known for its notorious acts in Sulu, especially in Patikul and Jolo, the provincial capital. Last year, its members were tagged as perpetrators of the deadly bombing of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Jolo where more than 20 people died and dozens injured. Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, commander of the 11ID, assured that the command would push through with its operations while the military is confronting the coronavirus pandemic.