At a Zamboanga City military hospital early Sunday (April 13th), Philippine soldiers who were wounded in a gunfight with Abu Sayyaf fighters on Saturday watch the Manny Pacquiao-Timothy Bradly prize fight. [AFP]

MANILA, Philippines – A Muslim extremist was killed Saturday (April 12th) in fighting between soldiers and Abu Sayyaf rebels in the southern Philippines, a day after 12 people died in a similar shootout, AFP reported.

Troops on patrol in Jolo clashed with Islamist guerrillas, military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Romeo Zagala said. Intelligence reports indicated at least three Abu Sayyaf fighters were wounded in the fighting.

A government forces operation launched Friday in Basilan failed to capture top Abu Sayyaf leaders Puruji Indama or Isnilon Hapilon.

Seven Abu Sayyaf fighters, two soldiers and three members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighting for the military were killed Friday.