Government security forces have arrested 14 suspected members of the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf in southern Philippines, a military official said Wednesday.

Capt. Maria Rowena Muyuela, spokeswoman of the Armed Forces of the Western Mindanao Command, said the suspects were apprehended at a village in Talipao town Sulu province, which was near the site of last Friday's fierce fighting.

"They were at the encounter site. They were asked why they were there and they gave varying reasons," she said.

Military officials said those arrested included two females and three minors.

The spokeswoman said the suspects were currently being held by the Joint Task Group Sulu and the government security forces were still verifying whether the suspects were members of the Abu Sayyaf group.

Last Friday, Scout Ranger soldiers were on a reconnaissance mission in Budbunga village when they clashed with about 300 militants under Abu Sayyaf leader Radullan Sahiron, leaving five soldiers dead and 28 others injured.

The Joint Task Group Sulu said at least 10 Abu Sayyaf men were killed and 18 others were injured in the gunbattle.