Abu Sayyaf militants kill 6 Filipino soldiers
MANILA -- 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.
