(UPDATE) 8 injured in Basilan ambush

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - At least eight soldiers were injured in an ambush believed to be perpetrated by the Abu Sayyaf armed group in a village of southern Philippines today, said a military official.

The soldiers were aboard a mini truck at about 9:45 a.m. when the group ambushed them and set off an improvised explosive device in the village of Tipo-Tipo, Basilan Province, said Rolando Joselito Bautista, commander of the 104th Army Brigade.

Bautista said the wounded soldiers were immediately air- evacuated by the military helicopter and sent to the military hospital for treatment.

He said the pursuit operation has been carried out against the militants.