2 suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits killed in Sulu clash

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - Two suspected members of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group were killed in a firefight with government troops in Sulu on Thursday, the military said.

Harold Cabunoc, military's public information office chief, said that three soldiers were also slightly wounded and five high- powered firearms were seized from the bandits from a 30-minute clash that transpired at around 9:00 a.m. local time in the hinterlands of Patikul town.

Armed Forces of the Philippine chief of staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. has directed the troops to relentlessly pursue the bandits deep inside their jungle lair in Sulu, Cabunoc said.

The Abu Sayyaf bandits were responsible in high-profile kidnapping and killing incidents involving not only locals but also foreign nationals.