Manila - Two militants linked to al-Qaeda were killed in a clash with government troops in a southern Philippine town, a navy spokesman said Wednesday.

Marines Lieutenant Colonel Edgard Arevalo said fighting erupted late Tuesday when patrolling marines encountered Abu Sayyaf rebels in Tipo-Tipo town in Basilan province, 900 kilometres south of Manila.

Arevalo said more troops, backed up by helicopter gunships, were dispatched to the area to pursue the rebels.

The Abu Sayyaf is the smallest but most dangerous Muslim rebel group in the Philippines. It has been blamed for some of the deadliest terrorist attacks in the country. (dpa)