5 Abu Sayyaf members killed in Basilan clash

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - Five Abu Sayyaf terrorist were killed in a clash with government troops in today, the military said.

Rowena Muyuela, spokesperson of the military's Western Mindanao Command, said forces from the Joint Task Group Basilan were on a law enforcement operation when they encountered undetermined number of Abu Sayyaf men around 7:50 a.m. in Sumisip town, resulting in the death of five ASG members.

No one was killed or injured in the clash on the government side.

At around 11:10 a.m, the troops conducted clearing operation and found an Abu Sayyaf camp, which can accommodate at least 50 people, Muyuela said.

Recovered from the area were a homemade shotgun with two ammunition, 40-millimeter high explosive device ammunition, solar charger, wet cell battery, and "subversive documents."

"The military and police troops, in coordination with the LGU (local government unit), continue to pursue lawless elements to cease illegal activities in the area," said Muyuela.

The military intensified its law enforcement operations against the Abu Sayyaf following the killing of six soldiers, including a lieutenant, in an ambush in Sumisip town earlier this month.