Death Toll In Sulu Encounter Climbs To 32 Abu Sayyaf Group Members

The 35th and 21st Infantry Battalions encountered around 30 ASG members in the mountainous areas in Patikul, Sulu on Tuesday, September 6, 2016. Exchange of fires lasted for half an hour, Western Mindanao Command said.

There was no casualty on the side of the government troops and an undetermined number of terrorist were wounded. Earlier on that day, the Abu Sayyaf encountered the 45th Infantry Battalion. 

"Reports gathered from civilians in the vicinity confirmed two ASG killed being carried by their companions for burial," the Wesmincom stated in a statement.

The slain ASG were led by known subleaders Jamiri Jaong Jawhari and Basaron Arok, it added.

"There will be no letup in the effort to rescue the remaining hostages," BGen. Arnel dela Vega, Commander of Joint Task Force Sulu said. "Our priority is the safe rescue of the victims and protection of local communities in Sulu against terrorists and criminal elements."

Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman BGen. Resituto Padilla earlier said the "high-value" kidnap victims of the Abu Sayyaf are held by its bigger sub-groups, like the team led by Radullan Sahiron.

Radullan Sahiron is one of the most wanted terrorists of the United States' Federal Bureau of Investigation, with a $1 million reward on his head.

According to President Duterte, Abu Sayyaf can be crushed within a week.