At least 26 Abu Sayyaf Muslim gunmen and one soldier were killed Sunday while nine other government troops were wounded in fierce clashes in the southern Philippines, an army official said.
Army rangers were on patrol in Jolo Island's Talipao town when they were attacked by Abu Sayyaf guerrillas, triggering running gunbattles resulting in casualties on both sides, military southern command operations chief Colonel Roland Detabali said.
He said "heavy fighting erupted" and initially involved close-quarter combat.
Sixteen Abu Sayyaf gunmen were killed and their bodies recovered by troops for identification at the town center.
One soldier was also slain while nine others were injured.
Military southern command chief Lieutenant General Roy Cimatu said sporadic clashes continued until late Sunday afternoon, resulting in the deaths of two other guerrillas and forcing the miilitary to dispatch two MG-520 attack helicopters to support ground troops and pound rebel positions.
Meanwhile on nearby Basilan island, where another Abu Sayyaf unit is holding two Americans and nine Filipinos captive, a government militiaman was killed and beheaded by the rebels as they fled troops in Lantawan town, triggering clashes, the military said.
Cimatu said at least eight Abu Sayyaf gunmen were killed in Basilan in clashes on Sunday.
He said reports from the field indicate the hostages, including the Americans, had been sighted being tagged along by the rebels in a "thickly forrested" area on the outskirts of Lantawan.
Cimatu said US anti-terrorist experts were also due to arrive in the south later this week to help train Filipino troops against the Abu Sayyaf, although they would not be engaged in combat operations.
The 26 US counter-terrorism experts arrived Friday in Manila, bringing with them firearms and equipment intended for the Filipino soldiers, he said.
Authorities in recent weeks have stepped up their offensives against the Abu Sayyaf following threats by the rebels they would execute US Christian missionary couple Martin and Gracia Burnham if the assault was not halted.
Sunday's casualties bring the total number of Abu Sayyaf deaths to about 70 this month, a significant blow to the self-styled Islamic freedom fighters who are believed to have links with Saudi-born dissident Osama bin Laden -- Philippines, (AFP)
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