ZAMBOANGA, Feb 26 ― Fourteen members of militant group Abu Sayyaf were killed and 19 others injured in a firefight with the Philippine military in southern province of Sulu yesterday.

Two government soldiers were killed and another 16 wounded in the battle involving Philippine Army Scout Rangers and Special Forces and some 300 rebels, Xinhua news agency reported.

Rowena Muyuela, spokesperson of Western Mindanao Command, said the gun battle continued until 9am local time today in the mountainous areas of Patikul town.

Sporadic fighting ensued yesterday as government forces launched pursuit operations. ― Bernama