Reports: At least 10 Sulu gunmen dead

(The Star) – The casualty in the Tanduo encounter between the Malaysian security forces and the Sulu armed group is believed to have gone up.

After the first reports that two Sulu gunmen were dead and three Malaysian police injured, more ground reports coming out of Tanduo village claimed that at least 10 Sulu gunmen have been killed and four others injured.

On the Malaysian side, there was no official confirmation as to the four injured security personnel or of any deaths.

However, journalists at the entrance of the Felda Sahabat 17 oil palm plantation leading to Tanduo village, saw two bodies being taken out in a jeep by security forces medical personnel.

The Sultan Kiram family has confirmed in Manila that at least 10 Sulu gunmen have been killed and four injured.

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib declined to comment and said a press conference will be held later.

Until then, conflicting reports are emerging on the number of casualties.