Philippine authorities say suspected Muslim militants and government troops clashed in the southern Philippines Sunday in a battle that killed 12 insurgents and two marines.
Associated Press reports that marine commander Colonel Romeo Tanalgo says gunmen attacked marines before dawn as they guarded a school construction site in Talipao township in Sulu province. He said six troops were wounded in the clash.
Talipao is a stronghold of Abu Sayyaf rebels and allies who were former members of the Muslim rebel group, the Moro National Liberation Front.