One soldier killed, while eight were wounded in Thursday's clash between Muslim militants and soldiers in the southern Philippine province of Basilan.

The 104th Army Brigade reported government troops attacked the hideout of the Abu Sayyaf group in Al-Barka town and recovered bomb making materials and rounds of powerful explosives. This led to fierce fighting that killed one soldier.

Col. Carlito Galvez, Basilan army commander, confirmed the assault and recovery of bomb making materials and said the operation has been on going in the ground.

"The group was believed to be preparing these IEDs (improvised explosive device) after the Eidl Fitr," Galvez said in a briefing.

He said soldiers are pursuing the rebels.