Press Release
April 20, 2020

GORDON CONDOLES WITH FAMILIES OF FILIPINO SOLDIERS KILLED IN CLASHES WITH ABU SAYYAF

Senator Richard J. Gordon extended condolences to the bereaved families of 11 Filipino soldiers who were killed during a clash with the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) on Friday, April 17, in Patikul, Sulu.

In a statement, Gordon recognized the soldiers' important role in the nation's fight against terrorism and expressed dismay over the incident.

"The fallen are heroes in the continued fight versus terrorism. It is disheartening that during this time of national and global health crisis when many lives are lost to an invisible and treacherous enemy, there are those who continue to resort to the gun which results only in senseless deaths for both sides and leaves many widowed and orphaned," he said.

The one-hour long encounter of the Philippine Army's troops from 21st Infantry Battalion with the Abu Sayyaf armed fighters also left 14 other soldiers wounded. They were promptly given medical treatment, according to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Westmincom.

"As we try to do our part in securing peace, our prayers remain steadfast for our heroes and their families," Gordon added.

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