[GMA News] Ten Abu Sayyaf gunmen were killed, while 18 soldiers were injured during a Friday morning clash in Sulu.Joint Task Force Sulu commander Cirilito Sobejana said his soldiers were mounting a rescue operation for Abu Sayyaf hostages when they clashed with about 120 Abu Sayyaf gunmen in Patikul town. The gunmen were led by Radullan Sahiron and his sub-leaders Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan and Almuher Yadah. The gun battle lasted about two hours, until the gunmen withdrew.
Sobejana said that among those killed were two of Sahiron's close relatives. A military source said that among the relative's killed was the militant leader's grandson. "He is a minor, a child warrior," the source said.
On Wednesday, military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said a total of 43 Abu Sayyaf rebels have been killed in ecounters with government troops from November 1, 2016 to March 1.