Manila, November 03: Five Islamic militants, including a rebel commander, were killed in fighting with the security forces in the southern Philippines Tuesday, officials said.
The militants belonged to the Abu Sayyaf group that is linked to the Al Qaeda terrorist network, Xinhua reported, quoting the military.
The fighting started after the soldiers attacked a militant hideout in Sitio Bohe Kimeh village in the restive Basilan island, said Maj. Gen. Ben Dolorfino, commander of the Western Mindanao military command. The troops also recovered firearms from the hideout.
The Abu Sayyaf group is blamed for terrorist attacks and kidnappings in the country.
–IANS