Soldier, 2 suspected Abu Sayyaf killed in Basilan

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – A soldier and two suspected Abu Sayyaf militants were killed in an encounter in a remote village in Basilan yesterday, the military said.

The soldier has not been identified pending notification of his family.

The military said the firefight occurred when Army troopers encountered some 60 Abu Sayyaf bandits in Barangay Baiwas in Sumisip town around 11 a.m.

Col. Rolando Joselito Bautista, commander of the 104th Army Brigade and Joint Task Group Basilan, said the clash, which lasted for about an hour, occurred in a known stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf.

Bautista said six other militants were wounded.

The bandits are being pursued.