Philippine troops searching for a kidnapped Australian adventurer clashed with Abu Sayyaf terrorists militants in the southern province of Basilan. Reports said the fighting erupted in the town of Sumisip, an area where Warren Rodwell, 52, is believed being held captive by Abu Sayyaf.
Rodwell was kidnapped by five gunmen disguised as policemen in December from his home in the seaside town of Ipil and brought by boat to Basilan.
There were no reports of casualties in twenty minutes of fighting, but troops recovered bomb materials, binocular and a motorcycle left behind by fleeing gunmen led by Ustadz Muads.
Army Colonel Ricardo Visaya, commander of military forces in Basilan,said, "There is an ongoing operation against the Abu Sayyaf and we are tracking down the terrorists." |