14 killed as Filipino troops clash with militants

Suspected Muslim militants and government troops have clashed in the southern Philippines in fierce fighting that killed 12 insurgents and two soldiers.

Suspected Muslim militants and government troops have clashed in the southern Philippines in fierce fighting that killed 12 insurgents and two soldiers.

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Marine commander Col. Romeo Tanalgo says the militants attacked marines who were guarding a school construction site in Talipao township in Sulu province at dawn on Sunday. An ensuing clash killed 12 gunmen and two soldiers, while six other Philippine military personnel were wounded.

Tanalgo says it was not immediately clear if the gunmen belonged to the notoriously violent Abu Sayyaf group. Gunmen from another group, the Moro National Liberation Front, also have a presence in the far-flung area, regarded as an Abu Sayyaf stronghold for years.

Washington has blacklisted the Abu Sayyaf as a terror group.