Manila  - Five Muslim militants were killed Tuesday in a clash with government troops in the southern Philippines, a regional military commander said.

The fighting erupted before dawn when patrolling security forces encountered Abu Sayyaf rebels in Tuburan town in Basilan province, 900 kilometres south of Manila, according to Major General Ben Dolorfino.

Dolorfino said among those killed was a local Abu Sayyaf commander identified as Ridwan Musa.

The security forces also recovered four assault rifles from the rebels.

Dolorfino said more police officers and soldiers were dispatched to the area to help pursuit operations against the fleeing al-Qaeda-linked militants.

The Abu Sayyaf is the smallest but most violent Muslim rebel group in the southern Philippines, responsible for deadly terrorist attacks and high-profile kidnappings in the country. (dpa)