Extremists kill nine in RP

Extremists kill nine in RP

JOLO, Philippines (AP): Muslim extremists, apparently avenging
a comrade's death, opened fire on a passenger van on Sunday in a
remote southern town, killing six soldiers and three civilians,
officials said.

Nine other army soldiers riding in the van were injured in the
attack by Abu Sayyaf guerrillas in Jolo island's mountainous town
of Talipao, officials said.

Asakil Alpain, one of the wounded soldiers, said they were
aboard a commuter van on their way back to their barracks in the
nearby town of Panglima Estino when about 100 rebels, armed with
rifles and grenade launchers, fired at them from both sides of
the road.

The first volley of rebel fire instantly killed six soldiers
and three civilians aboard the van, including a pregnant woman.
The rebels withdrew into a forest when army reinforcements
arrived, military officials said.