The Philippine Examiner

Map of Patikul,Sulu

Jolo, Sulu – [12.31.15] – A high ranking military officer of the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion was killed in an encounter while four soldiers were reportedly wounded on Wednesday in Barangay Buhanginan, Patikul, Sulu, a report said.

In a spot report sent to The Philippine Examiner, an encounter between the troops of 1st Scout Ranger Battalion led by Lieutenant Colonel Boquio has encountered more or less 300 armed members of Abu Sayaff under ASG sub-leader, Hatib Hajan Sawadjan.

The running gun battle started in a Sitio Sangay [sub village] of Barangay Buhanginan [Darayan] Patikul town has lasted for one hour and ten minutes which has resulted to the death of an Army Officer and the wounding of four army enlisted personnel.

2nd Lieutenant Ronald Detalla, a member of the elite 2nd Scout Ranger Company paid the ultimate sacrifice while fighting the ASG terrorists in Sitio Sangay, Buhanginan, Patikul, Sulu on Dec 30, 2015. Photo courtesy by Philippine Army.

Killed in action was identified as Army 2nd Lieutenant Ronald N. Detalla of the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion, while the wounded soldiers were  identified as: Captain Edmar Samonte, Staff Sergeant Wilson Fontanil, Sergeant Arthur Andama, Private First Class Ernie de Guzman, Private First Class Joemar Andrez, Private First Class  Dennis Desembrana and Private First Class Albery Dinion.

Wounded soldiers were brought to a hospital in Zamboanga City for treatment.

The spot report has claimed eight casualties and seven wounded on the bandit’s side, however, the Abu Sayaff has claimed only one casualty from their side.

The troops under ASG sub-leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjan is believed to be holding the four kidnapped victims from Samal Island resort, the report said.