Troops hunt for militants in Jolo

Manila: Marines yesterday pursued militants responsible for the killing of a soldier on Jolo island in the south, officials said.

Intelligence elements were mobilised to track down suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf who were responsible for the surprise attack which killed Marine Corporal Lario Abarse in Patikul, Jolo on Tuesday morning.

Abarse was shot in several parts of his body. He also sustained a hack wound on his forehead, said Brigadier General Juancho Sabban.

Abarse was on his motorcycle bound for Jolo when he was ambushed by five gunmen, Sabban said.