ARMY troops have recovered a high-powered rifle, an explosive and radio communication set following a clash with Abu Sayyaf bandits early Thursday, June 21, in Basilan province, the military reported.

Lieutenant Colonel Gerry Besana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, said there was no casualty among the troops during the clash that took place around 5 a.m. Thursday, June 21, in the village of Suaten, Sumisip, Basilan.

Besana said they have yet to determine whether the Abu Sayyaf bandits, who fled to different directions, have suffered casualty.

He said the troops recovered from the clash site an M16A1 "Baby Armalite" rifle with ammunition, a rifle grenade, and a two-way radio transceiver.

He said the clash ensued when the troops from the Army's 64th Infantry Battalion clash with the Abu Sayyaf bandits while conducting security operation. (Bong Garcia/SunStar Philippines)