Three members of the Abu Sayyaf Group were killed while five soldiers were wounded in a clash in Patikul, Sulu.
According to Maj. Arvin Encinas, spokesman for Western Mindanao, members of the 21st Infantry Battalion encountered 20 terrorist groups in Sitio Water, Paliya, Danag Patikul at about 10:45 am.
The troops were planning a blockade when they encountered the armed bandits under the sub-group leader Ellam Nasirin.
After a few minutes, the Abu Sayyaf group escaped the encounter site.
The terrorist group then battled with the Philippine military group from the same infantry battalion.
The second encounter lasts for an hour, wherein three Abu Sayyaf members died, but only one corpse was recovered from the site.
According to the statement of Western Mindanao Command, five soldiers were mildly wounded during the encounter. They were brought to hospitals for immediate treatment.
Also read: 1 dead, 2 missing after shooters attack fishermen in Sulu
Partial operation of tricycle allowed in Mandaluyong
The local government of Mandaluyong City has approved the daily operation of at least half of the city’s tricycles under the color coding scheme in its transition to a more lenient lockdown protocol.
The City Public Information Office noted that the city council now has to approve a fare matrix and rules for the partial operation of tricycles. The tricycles will start operating as soon as the council decides.
Previous rules discussed Friday include the single passenger limit per tricycle, banning back riding, and implementing safety measures such as putting a plastic barrier between the driver and sidecar.
“Tatalakayin ng konseho ang pagtaas ng pasahe dahil isang pasahero lang ang papayagang sumakay sa bawat unit ng traysikel. Pero nais tiyakin ng pamahalaang-lunsod na hindi lubhang mataas ang dagdag na pasahe,” said PIO Chief Jimmy Isidro.
(The council will tackle fare increase because only one passenger is allowed to ride the tricycle. But the city government wants to make sure the extra fare isn’t too high.)
Isidro also said drivers would be required to wear face masks and gloves. Drivers will also be subjected to rapid testing before being allowed to deliver passengers.
Tricycle drivers in the city will also be divided into two groups. There will be an exemption in the emergency.