MANILA, Rabi'II 01, 1436, January 21, 2015, SPA -- The Philippine military says troops backed by artillery and air support have killed three militants, AP reported. Military spokesman Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc says troops battled about 50 gunmen in a series of clashes Tuesday in southern Basilan province. He says six militants also were wounded and there were no government casualties. He told reporters Wednesday that soldiers launched an operation after villagers informed them of the gunmen's presence. --SPA 12:30 LOCAL TIME 09:30 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w