MANILA: Philippine marines have killed one of several Abu Sayyaf extremists blamed for kidnappings and extortion in a new clash with the group in the south, officials said Sunday.

A group of marines were patrolling a wooded area near a hill in Sulu province’s mountainous Patikul town Saturday when they stumbled on about 30 militants. An ensuing 30-minute clash killed one militant and wounded an unknown number of other gunmen, marine brigade commander Brig. Gen. Martin Pinto said.

The militants dragged their wounded as they withdrew, leaving blood stains on a jungle trail, Pinto said.

They were led by a young Abu Sayyaf commander, Ninok Sappari, who has been blamed for recent kidnappings, including of two Algerian-born Filipino sisters.