One soldier killed in S. Philippines Abu Sayyaf attack

An army soldier was killed and a three-year-old boy injured in separate attacks perpetrated by members of Abu Sayyaf Group in south Philippine provinces of Basilan and Sulu on Wednesday, the military said Thursday.

Sally Magno, public affairs officer of the military's Joint Task Group Basilan, said the soldier died while defending two civilian companions in Sumisip town in Basilan at around 2:30 p.m.

Magno said the soldier and the civilians were fired upon by Abu Sayyaf Group members while aboard two motorcycles. She said the three were on their way to visit relatives.

She said the solider is involved in the series of peace and development efforts of the Armed forces of the Philippines in the identified Abu Sayyaf Group-influence areas in the province.

In Sulu, a three-year-old child was wounded when Abu Sayyaf rebels attacked a community in Patikul town, said Alan Arrojado, commander of the military's Joint Task Group Sulu.

Arrojado said the a group of Abu Sayyaf men, led by sub-leader Ninok Sapari, swooped down in the community at around 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

The child was hit by stray bullets, incurring slight wound in the forehead. He was taken to a military facility in Patikul town for medication. Endit