[AFP] Philippine soldiers clashed with Islamist rebels behind the beheading of a German hostage in a bloody gun firefight that left 11 soldiers wounded. The Abu Sayyaf killed 70-year-old Jurgen Kantner on Sunday when its demands for a $600,000 ransom were not met.Philippine troops exchanged fire with the rebels for around 45 minutes on Wednesday. Military spokesman Cirilito Sobejana said, "There were eleven (wounded in) total. Two from gunshot wounds and all others from shrapnel of an M203 (grenade)," referring to the Philippine troops wounded during the encounter. Asked if the group in the clash was the one behind Kantner's death, Sobejana said, "Yes, they are the ones responsible."
Two of the rebels were killed and five injured in the battle, he added.
Sobejana stressed that the military was still seeking to recover Kantner's remains. He said, "It is a relentless effort.
Until we find the body or the head, we will not stop."
Philippine President Duterte apologized on Tuesday for failing to save the hostage and said the military had stepped up operations against Abu Sayyaf.