Clashes between troops and suspected al-Qaida linked militants have killed at least 52 people on volatile southern Jolo island, the Philippines military said today.

Troops in the Philippines captured three al Qaida-linked militants but missed two top terror suspects, including an Indonesian wanted for alleged involvement in the 2002 Bali bombings, during a raid on a rebel hide-out today, military officials said.

At least six people were killed and another 29 wounded when a bomb exploded during a town festival today in the southern Philippines.