13 Muslim Extremists Reported Seized; 1 Killed

Government forces have captured 13 members of the Muslim extremist Abu Sayyaf group and killed one in a clash in the southern Philippines, a top official said.

National Security Advisor Roilo Golez said 178 members of the Abu Sayyaf have been captured since the military launched an offensive against the guerrillas after they abducted 20 people, including three Americans, from a resort May 27.

The group claims to have killed one of the Americans.

Col. Fredesvindo Covarrubias of the Southern Command said two guerrillas were captured on Basilan island, where an operation is underway to rescue 18 people, including a U.S. couple.