FOUR soldiers, including an officer, were wounded in a clash as the government offensive continue against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sulu province, a top military official said Tuesday.

The firefight took place at 1:40 p.m. Monday at Sitio kan Apo Aluk in Panglayahan village, Patikul, Sulu, according to Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) commander.

Dela Vega said the troops were conducting focused military operation when they clashed with some 50 Abu Sayyaf bandits led by one-armed and senior bandit leader Radullan Sahiron.

He did not identify the injured officer and three enlisted men who belong to the Army’s 32nd Infantry Battalion under the Joint Task Force Sulu.

The Westmincom chief said they were rushed to the Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital for medical treatment.

He said the Abu Sayyaf bandits have also suffered casualties.

The army official said the troops have recovered at the clash site the following: 50 kilos rice, personal belongings with blood stains, and assorted medicines.

“The Joint Task Force Sulu continues to intensify the conduct of offensives against the Abu Sayyaf to neutralize the remaining bandits,” Dela Vega.

The focused military operations continue in a bid to rescue the nine remaining hostages who are still being held captives by the Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sulu.

The remaining hostages included two foreigners--Dutch and Vietnamese--and seven Filipinos. (SunStar Philippines)