RP governor survives ambush

RP governor survives ambush

ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (AFP): Four government militias were wounded on Sunday when 30 gunmen believed to be Muslim separatists ambushed a provincial governor's convoy in the southern Philippines, the military said.

Governor Andal Ampatuan of Maguindanao province was traveling with a security escort when they were attacked by suspected Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels in a remote village, the military said.

Ampatuan survived the ambush unscathed, the third attempt on his life this year by the rebels, but four militias acting as escorts were wounded, said local army spokesman Major Julieto Ando.

The military said the governor, also a Muslim, is opposed to the MILF, the country's largest remaining separatist rebel force which is currently negotiating peace with Manila.