US-trained Philippine troops killed at least six suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Muslim rebel group in clashes on a remote southwestern island.
Thirteen members of the elite Scout Rangers were wounded in the gun battle on Saturday in a village on Jolo, a stronghold of Abu Sayyaf, the deadliest of four Muslim rebel groups in the largely Catholic country.
With the help of around 100 US advisors and equipment, Philippine soldiers have killed Abu Sayyaf's top two commanders and have vowed to crush the organisation, which has links with regional militant group Jemaah Islamiah.
Since it started its offensive against Abu Sayyaf in August 2006, the Philippine military says nearly 80 out of an estimated 400 rebels have been killed and a dozen have been captured. About 30 soldiers have been killed and more than 100 injured.