Jolo - Philippine troops attacked a mountain hideout of Muslim rebels who are holding 17 hostages on the island of Jolo, officials said.
Major Gen Narciso Abaya, in charge of the operation against the Abu Sayyaf kidnappers, said he had dispatched two OV-10 Bronco bombers and attack helicopters to back up infantry closing in on the Mount Dahu hideout.
About 30 Abu Sayyaf fighters were engaged on Saturday, leaving three rebels dead and one soldier wounded.
Saturday's clash brought the number of rebels killed to 114 since the Philippine government launched its rescue operation on September 16th.
