Philippine militants kill seven police, two soldiers

Suspected al-Qaida-linked militants killed seven policemen in an ambush today after their comrades shot to death two government soldiers in a separate attack in the southern Philippines, security officials said.

Navy Rear Admiral Alex Pama said suspected Abu Sayyaf gunmen opened fire on a police convoy negotiating a dirt road in far-flung Sumisip township on Basilan island, killing seven policemen. Two other policemen survived the ambush and were taken to a hospital.