EIGHT soldiers were wounded as the government troops and Abu Sayyaf bandits clashed anew while the focused military operations against the rebels continue in the province of Sulu, top military official said Friday, November 15.

Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said the clash ensued when the troops spotted some 40 Abu Sayyaf bandits while on security operation on Wednesday in Buhanginan Village, Patikul, Sulu.

Sobejana said the firefight lasted for about 40 minutes, after which the Abu Sayyaf bandits, who are followers of Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan and Radullan Sahiron, fled dragging along their casualties.

Sobejana did not release the identities of the wounded soldiers, who were taken to Camp Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Busbus Village, Jolo, the province’s capital.

“I salute our gallant soldiers for their bravery and utmost dedication to their sworn duty,” Sobejana said.

The military are continuously conducting focused military operations in a bid to rescue a number of hostages, including foreigners, from the hands of the Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sulu. (SunStar Zamboanga)