Abu Sayyaf militants kill 6 Filipino soldiers
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Philippine military says Abu Sayyaf guerrillas have killed at least six soldiers who were guarding a road project that has been delayed by militant attacks in the country's impoverished southern region.
Army Col. Rolando Bautista says the soldiers were patrolling the outskirts of a farming village on Basilan island's Sumisip town Sunday when about 20 heavily armed Abu Sayyaf fighters opened fire, sparking a 45-minute battle.
Bautista says he deployed additional troops to pursue the attackers.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The attack came as hundreds of troops hunted down Abu Sayyaf gunmen after they freed two German tourists last month on nearby Jolo Island, reportedly after a huge ransom payment.