A firefight sparked between Philippine soldiers and Abu Sayyaf militants, a day after the release of a retired Italian priest in the southern Philippines.
Regional military spokesman, Major Filemon Tan said, the Philippine soldiers were conducting security operations in Basilan, when they encountered about 120 Abu Sayyaf gunmen. 22 soldiers were wounded in the clash.
Tan disclosed that the clash happened at around 7:55 am, Saturday, in Sitio Bayoko, Baranggay Baguindan, Tipo-Tipo.
Philippine authorities found retired priest Rolando Del Torchio – held hostage for six months – late on Friday aboard a ferry docked on the remote southern island of Jolo, a known stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf.
Eighteen other foreign hostages are being held in the Philippines, most or all of them thought to be by the Abu Sayyaf.
Eagle News Service/AFP/PNA
