AN ABU Sayyaf member was killed, while a soldier was wounded in a clash, as focused military operations continue against the bandits in the province of Sulu, a top official said Monday, May 6.

Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said the clash happened around 9:55 a.m. Sunday, May 5, in Sitio Kan Udang in the village of Kan Ague, Patikul, Sulu.

The troops from the Army's 32nd Infantry Battalion were conducting focused military operations when they chanced upon a group of 10 Abu Sayyaf bandits, triggering a 20-minute firefight, said Dela Vega.

He said the firefight resulted in the death of an Abu Sayyaf bandit, while a soldier was wounded. The bandits then fled.

He said they will continue to conduct intensified military operations to deter threat groups from creating havoc. (SunStar Philippines)