2 dead in Basilan clashes

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – A soldier and an Abu Sayyaf bandit were killed in separate encounters in Basilan yesterday.

The soldier, who has yet to be identified, died in a clash in Barangay Dugaa in Tuburan town at around 10:20 a.m.

A certain Daimon was killed while a village watchman and a girl were wounded in an encounter in Sumisip at around noon. 

Police said members of the barangay peace action team encountered the bandits in Barangay Etub-Etub.

Also yesterday, a grenade exploded in front of a Catholic convent in Barangay Asturias in Jolo, Sulu at around 5:40 a.m.

No one was reported hurt in the attack believed to be staged by Abu Sayyaf bandits.

In South Cotabato, probers are facing a blank wall on separate bombing incidents in Polomolok town on Sunday.

Annie Sambulao, 40, a cashier at a karaoke bar, was wounded in one of the attacks, and remains confined in a hospital.

Meanwhile, eight persons, including three women, were arrested at a checkpoint for transporting improvised bombs in Lumbayanague, Lanao del Sur on Monday.