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Four navy commandos have been killed in a gun fight with suspected Islamist militants in the southern Philippines, military officials have said.

At least six militants died in the clash, which took place on Lanhil island, north-east of restive Basilan.

The Philippine military recently stepped up its offensive against militants in the south of the country.

Both sides have suffered heavy death tolls in fierce clashes on the islands of Basilan and neighbouring Jolo.

In August, 26 soldiers and around 30 militants were killed a clash in Jolo. A month before that, 14 marines were killed in Basilan. Ten of them were beheaded.

source: BBC News Online