{PhilStar] Eleven Abu Sayyaf militants and three soldiers were killed in encounters in Patikul, Sulu in the past two days as the Philippine military continued its operations to rescue hostages. At least 17 soldiers and two rebels were also injured in the clashes.Four of the ten militants killed in the encounter on Sunday were identified as Amah Talah; Taha Sawdjaan, a brother of Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, the second in command of the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu; two men known as Red and Long Abraham.
Military spokesman Cirilito Sobejana said the clashes with the group of Abu Sayyaf sub-leaders Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, Idang Susukan, Injam Yadah and Ben Tottoh occurred in Sitio Kan Alas, Barangay Tanum and Bud Kaha, Maligay.
The remains of three rebels, one of them of foreign appearance, were recovered yesterday.
General Carlito Galvez told a press briefing, "There is an ongoing encounter... We believe one of (the fatalities) is the son of Sawdjaan. There is also a suspicious-looking foreign terrorist."
A Dutch man, a Vietnamese, three Indonesians and seven Filipinos, including two policewomen, remain in the hands of the Abu Sayyaf.
Sobejana said search and rescue operations for the remaining captives would continue. He said, “We will sustain our efforts until the last kidnap victim is rescued and the Abu Sayyaf is neutralized."