January 25, 2002, Philippine Star, Military Clashes vs Abu Sayyaf Group Suspected of Holding the Burnhams,

January 25, 2002, Philippine Star, Military Clashes vs Abu Sayyaf Group Suspected of Holding the Burnhams,

Sadington, Tuburan, Basilan, Jan. 25, 2002 (STAR) - A fierce clash between government troops and elements of the Abu Sayyaf group (ASG) occurred in Sadington, Tuburan, Basilan. this morning.

The encounter started this morning at 8:15 a.m. and lasted up until now as the military conducted hot pursuit operations against the bandit group.

Those involved in the chase operations inclde troops of the Philippine Army (PA) and the Scout Ranger. The group they're supposed to chasing is suspected to be the ones holding the American hostages, Martin and Gracia Burnham.

The firefight resulted in four wounded soldiers.