Three RP soldiers slain in ambush

Three RP soldiers slain in ambush

COTABATO, Philippines (AFP): Suspected Muslim separatist guerrillas ambushed a military truck in the southern Philippines early Thursday, killing three soldiers and wounding six others, an army spokesman said.

Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) were suspected to be behind the ambush near the town of Barira on Mindanao island, said Major Julieto Ando.

The 12,500-member MILF signed a cease-fire with Manila earlier this month and is holding talks with the government for a political settlement to its 23-year rebellion.

MILF spokesman Eid Kabalu denied the guerrilla group was responsible.

"It could be a third group" or a party trying to sabotage peace talks, he told local radio.