MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) – A member of the Abu Sayyaf was killed in an encounter with government troops in Sulu province today, the military said.

Western Mindanao Command spokesperson Steffani Cacho said the troops were conducting pursuit operations against the bandits when they clashed with the group.

After few minutes of exchanging gunfire, the troops recovered a militant’s body.

Cacho said that other bandits withdrew toward the mountain areas.