Military launches air strike against Abu Sayyaf bandits

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The military launched air attack today against terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu following a clash with them earlier in the day, military said.

Marces Gayat, commanding officer of the 35th Infantry Battalion, said his reconnaissance platoon was scouring a forested area in Bungkaong village in Patikul town when they spotted the armed bandits and firefight ensued at around 7:20 a.m.

The bandits, numbering to 5 to 10, fled, prompting the military leadership to provide close air support for the pursuing government troops.

"High explosive ordnance munitions were dropped by the choppers at designated targets where the bandits were last seen," military said.

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff General Gregorio Catapang Jr. ordered the soldiers to maintain pressure to force the bandits to release all their hostages, reportedly numbering to about 15.

Last month, the Abu Sayyaf freed two German nationals whom they abducted in April after huge ransom was allegedly paid to the bandits.