[GMA News] Some 18 Philippine Army troops were killed, and 53 more injured, during a Saturday gun battle with 120 Abu Sayyaf militants in Basilan's Tipo Tipo town.Western Mindanao Command spokesperson Filemon Tan said that five Abu Sayyaf fighters were also killed in the battle, among them a Moroccan national identified as Mohammad Khattab. The son of top Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, Ubaida Hapilon, was also reportedly slain in the fighting. Some 20 militants were also believed wounded, among them Abu Sayyaf leader Radzmil Jannatul - also known as Kubayb.
Tan said the clash broke out at 7:55 a.m. and lasted until around 5:30 p.m.
Saturday's clash comes just a day after former missionary Rolando del Torchio -- held hostage for six months by Islamic militants -- was found aboard a boat docked on Jolo.