MANILA, Aug 10 (Reuters) - More than 50 people, including at least 25 Philippine soldiers, have been killed in intense fighting between Muslim rebels and troops on the remote southern island of Jolo, military officials said on Friday.

The fighting, in mountains near the town of Maimbung, started early on Thursday when rebels killed nine soldiers and wounded two in an ambush. One of the wounded later died.

Reinforcements were rushed to the area and troops began pursuing the rebels, officials said.

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