ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — A soldier was killed while 10 others were wounded in a clash with the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu province early Thursday, officials said.
Captain Jo-ann Petingaly, Western Mindanao Command spokesperson, said the clash occurred at around 5:25 a.m. in Barangay Buhanginan, Patikul town when operating soldiers were fired on.
Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana Jr., Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said the operation was launched following the reported sighting of gunmen with their captives.
The Abu Sayyaf still holds 27 people, mostly foreigners.
The wounded soldiers were taken to a military hospital in Jolo, Sulu.
President Rodrigo Duterte has given the military until June 30 to crush the Abu Sayyaf.
About 80 extremists have been killed since the offensive against them was launched in January in Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.