The gang released the 38 passengers before midnight Friday but kept the captain and three crew members, Narcise said. Two soldiers died and five others were wounded in a clash with the Abu Sayyaf on Friday and an unspecified number of raiders were wounded or killed, a military report said. It was not immediately clear if the two cases were related. Gunfights are common in the Basilan area, one of the most violent in the Philippines. The Abu Sayyaf, which says it is fighting to carve a separate Islamic state out of the area, darts between the remote, jungle-covered islands to attack the military and hide hostages.
Militias patrol many of the villages.
Military officials said the Abu Sayyaf has regrouped in the last two weeks as the military was called off to guard voting in May 14 midterm elections. Copyright 2001, The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP Online news report may not be published, broadcast or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Share this story with a friend Email this page to a friend By using this service you accept the terms of our visitor agreement . Registered site users, to edit your personal profile, click here .