Two soldiers were killed and 12 were wounded as government troops figured in a clash with Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits in Patikul, Sulu on Wednesday, the military said.

According to various sources, the clash broke out at about 9:20 a.m. in Brgy. Tanum when joint troops from the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion and 16th Special Forces Company who were in the area for law enforcement operation, engaged some 300 ASG members led by Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan in a fierce firefight.

Reports also said five Abu Sayyaf members were killed while 14 were wounded in the clash.

Meanwhile, a report on GMA News Online said that the military was “looking into two Jemaah Islamiyah members allegedly banding with the ASG during the clash.”