By Hader Glang

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines 

An al-Qaeda-linked militant group has killed two soldiers in an ambush in the troubled southern Philippine province of Sulu, according to the military Sunday.

Capt. Rowena Muyuela, Western Mindanao Command spokesperson, said four Abu Sayyaf members onboard two motorcycles shot two soldiers near Sahaya village, Patikul town, Saturday afternoon.

"The two soldiers onboard their service vehicle were returning to camp after buying from the market in Jolo [in Sulu] when two motorcycle-riding fully armed men attacked them, killing them instantly," Muyuela said.

After the shooting, the militants fled toward an unknown direction.

The Abu Sayyaf group, known for its involvement in kidnappings in the region, is still holding at least 13 captives in the jungles of Sulu, a military official said yesterday.

Col. Alan Arrojado, Joint Task Group Sulu chief, said that among the hostages are foreign nationals -- including a Dutch birdwatcher and a Malaysian businesswoman -- and Filipinos -- including Mayor Gemma Adana of Naga town, Zamboanga Sibugay province.

Since 1991, the Abu Sayyaf -- armed with mostly improvised explosive devices, mortars and automatic rifles -- has carried out bombings, kidnappings, assassinations and extortion in a self-determined fight for an independent Islamic province in the Philippines.

It is notorious for beheading victims after ransoms have failed to be paid for their release.