ACTING Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales on Monday declared that the government will take more decisive action against all groups involved in kidnapping and atrocities in Mindanao, saying that he will not allow Moro groups to commit terroristic acts in furtherance of their cause.

The declaration, which formed Gonzales’s first public policy and guidance in dealing with rebels and bandits in Mindanao, was made during his takeover of the defense portfolio on Monday.

ZAMBOANGA CITY—Security forces killed an Abu Sayyaf bandit in a gun battle as troops prevented another bridge bombing in Sulu.

A Marine was wounded in the firefight that took place shortly before 10 a.m. on Sunday in sitio Talatak, barangay Bato-Bato, Indanan town, the official said.

NEW People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas on Monday attacked government troops in Northern Samar, killing two militiamen and wounding a soldier.

Lt. Col. Armand Rico, spokesman for the Army’s 8th Infantry “Storm Trooper” Division, said the elements of the 52nd Infantry Battalion were conducting a community-assistance activity at barangay Bayo, Oquendo District, Calbayog City, when they were attacked by a group of rebels at around 4:20 a.m.