7 Abu Sayyaf bandits killed in Sulu clash

Seven members of the bandit Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) were killed in a clash with government soldiers on Wednesday in Sulu province, a television report said. 

Citing military sources, Unang Balita reported Thursday that the armed encounter, which also left 18 soldiers wounded, took place in Barangay Panglayahan in Patikul town.

One of the wounded soldiers was in critical condition, the report added.

Last Tuesday, the military said three ASG men were killed, while 10 other members were injured in a clash also in Patikul.

Sixteen soldiers were injured in the skirmish.

Also, last week, authorities nabbed a suspected ASG member identified as Adam Mahamdom, who was allegedly involved in the kidnapping of eight workers at Golden Harvest Plantation in Basilan in 2001.  —Kiersnerr Gerwin Tacadena/LBG, GMA News