Philippines: Muslim rebels ambush convoy

Muslim guerrillas killed four soldiers and three militiamen in an ambush on a military convoy today in the volatile southern Philippines, officials said.

Army spokesman Romeo Brawner said Moro Islamic Liberation Front guerrillas attacked the army convoy near Mulondo township in Lanao del Sur province. Eight other soldiers and three pro-government militiamen were wounded and taken to hospitals by air force helicopters, he said.

The soldiers, who were travelling aboard trucks with militiamen, fired back at the attackers, who fled into a nearby forest, dragging some wounded rebels. Troops sent as reinforcements and police were pursuing the guerrillas, Lanao del Sur police chief Paniares Adap said.