MNAILA, Philippines – The remains of soldiers killed in recent encounters with Abu Sayyaf in Basilan will arrive in Manila on Saturday, a military spokesman said Friday.

The remains were originally scheduled to arrive Friday at the Villamor Air Base.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is scheduled to fly to Zamboanga City Saturday morning for a command conference with top military officials.

Lieutenant Colonel Romeo Brawner, Jr. said ceremonies honoring the 23 fallen soldiers, including two junior officers from the Philippine Army, have been prepared in Zamboanga City.

Air Force chief Major General Oscar Rabena will also be flying to Zamboanga City for the meeting with Ms Arroyo.

Air Force spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Gerry Zamudio said that they have no official report yet as to how many of the killed soldiers will be transported to Manila via a C130 cargo plane.

Aside from the 23 killed soldiers, at least 22 government forces, including one police officer, were wounded in the series of encounters early Wednesday morning.

AFP identified the casualties from the Philippine Marines as Staff Sergeant (SSg.) Nilo Yu from the Marine Landing battalion 10, SSg. Roberto Gamboa, SSg. Aguido Casiano. SSg. Reynaldo Torejas, SSg. Johnny Corpuz, Sergeant (Sgt.) Elmer Miranda, Sgt. Ramon Encila, Sgt. Randy Vacaro, Corporal (Cpl.) Ronald Bayos, Cpl. Rey Guanza, Cpl. Crisanto Simtim, Private First Class (Pfc.) Richie Estrada, Pfc. Daryll Dave Toroy, Pfc. Ernie John Marquez, Private (Pvt.) Jefferson P. Callao, Pvt. Jomar Trompeta, Pvt. Redentor Bactotoy, Pvt. Elfie Igcalinos, Pvt. Enrico Roxas, and Pvt. Lemuel Dela Cruz
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The Philippine Army, on the other hand, identified the two junior officers as 1st Lt. Chester Barela and 1st Lt. Dhenjun Evangelista. Also killed in the clash is enlisted personnel Corporal Renato Dindin.