RP marines kill 14 extremists

RP marines kill 14 extremists

ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (Reuter): Fourteen extremist rebels were killed and 13 wounded in a gunbattle with Philippine marines, the military said yesterday.

Several marines were also wounded in the fighting on Tuesday when the marines landed on the island of Jolo 950 km (590 miles) south of Manila, a report reaching the Philippine Armed Forces' Southern Command said.

The rebels are members of the extremist Abu Sayyaf, the military said. The group has been responsible for a series of bomb attacks and kidnappings in the southern islands.

Troops were said to be pursuing the guerrillas but no other details were available.