ZAMBOANGA CITY – The death toll of the government troops in the April 17 firefight in Sulu has risen to 12 as one of the 13 wounded soldiers expired, the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) said Wednesday.
Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of Westmincom, said Staff Sgt. Alexander Bolesa died in a private hospital here at about 7 a.m. on Monday.
Sobejana said Bolesa succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds he sustained in the hour-long skirmish against Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits in Sitio Bud Lubong, Barangay Danag, Patikul, Sulu last April 17.
The troopers were conducting combat operations when they encountered some 40 ASG bandits led by Radullan Sahiron and Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan.
“We mourn the loss of another comrade and sympathize with the bereaved families of Bolesa,” Sobejana said. “I hope and pray that his family and friends will have strength during this time of loss of a brave soldier who fought for peace."
He said Westmincom would sustain its security operations and ensure austere enforcement of quarantine in its areas of operation.
The Sulu-based ASG bandits are still holding as captives five Indonesian fishermen, who were kidnapped off Lahad Datu, Sabah, Malaysia on January 16. (PNA)
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