MANILA - At least 9 people were killed while 10 other were hurt after suspected Abu Sayyaf members torched buildings in the remote southern island of Basilan, police said.

Some 30 to 50 bandits figured in the attack in Tubigan village, Maluso town at around 5 a.m. They burned 4 houses, including a day-care center, said Supt. Christopher Panapan, the provincial police chief.

Authorities have yet to identify the casualties. Troops have launched pursuit operations against the suspects. -- report from Henry Atuelan, ABS-CBN News