Three Muslim separatists and one soldier were killed in renewed fighting in the southern Philippines after President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ordered the suspension of an offensive against the rebels.
At least 19 soldiers were wounded in the clashes which occurred on Friday.
The military said the three rebels belonging to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) were killed after a 30-man guerrilla band opened fire on soldiers on patrol in Maguindanao province on Friday.
The MILF is the bigger of two groups fighting for an Islamic state in the south of the mainly Catholic country.
The smaller Abu Sayyaf militia gained international attention last year when it kidnapped more than 40 foreigners and Filipinos from nearby Malaysian isles and from Jolo.
Most of the hostages were either freed on ransom, rescued by soldiers or escaped, leaving American Mr Jeffrey Schilling and Filipino Mr Roland Ullah still in rebel captivity.
The MILF welcomed President Arroyo's offer but said any suspension of hostilities must be covered by a formal agreement.
Manila has not made a similar offer to the Abu Sayyaf which the military regards as a mainly bandit group.