Seven suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed while six others were wounded in an encounter with government troops on Friday.
At least 17 soldiers were also wounded in the clash in Patikul.
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The military said the encounter involved troops from the Task Group Panther and Scout Rangers and at least 100 ASG bandits.
Among the wounded ASG members was sub-leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, who was hit in the stomach.
The military recovered an M-16 rifle, four 5.56 mm magazines, one bandolier, one touchscreen cellular phone, and assorted war materiel and ammunition.
The Armed Forces likewise dispatched more soldiers in the area to hunt down the ASG members who have escaped.
