More than a dozen Philippine soldiers have reportedly been killed in daylong clashes with suspected Daesh-linked militants in southern Basilan island – a stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf.
Despite concerted efforts, Anadolu Agency, however, was unable to reach military officials of the Western Mindanao Command to confirm the reported casualties among government forces Saturday in Baguindan village in Tipo-tipo town.
Some local reporters responded to the news by questioning what they perceived as the ambiguity of the military providing information to the press.
Julie Alipala of the Philippine Daily Inquirer wrote that "the Western Mindanao Command was mum on the report and even prevented journalists from entering its headquarters here [Zamboanga City], including the media center."
Meanwhile, Quiennie Casimiro of news broadcaster ABS-CBN posted a message on her Facebook page saying: “Nakakalungkot [what a pity]. It has happened before. A number of times actually. And it is still happening now. Lives being sacrificed. For what?"
Unconfirmed reports from different media outfits in Zamboanga said among the 18 casualties were one platoon officer and four slain soldiers who had been decapitated.
Major Filemon Tan Jr., Western Mindanao Command spokesperson, had earlier reported that 22 soldiers were wounded in firefights with 120 Abu Sayyaf militants.
