1 soldier killed, 3 others wounded in clash with Abu Sayyaf

MANILA, Philippines—One soldier was killed while three others were wounded in an encounter with members of the Abu Sayyaf Group Wednesday morning in Basilan, the military said.

Captain Alberto Caber of the Army’s First Infantry Division said members of the 20th Special Forces Company of the 4th Special Forces Battalion were on clearing operations in Baiwas village, Sumisip town when they encountered about 35 fully armed Abu Sayyaf extremists led by Juhaibel Alamsirul alias Abu Kik at about 8:45 a.m.

The encounter, which lasted for 30 minutes, occurred at the vicinity of Baiwas village at the boundary of Pamatsaken village.

Casualties on the Abu Sayyaf side were undetermined, Caber said.