10 Philippine soldiers beheaded in rebel territory

Manila/Mindanao: Twenty-three soldiers were killed, including 10 beheaded, in a fierce eight-hour clash in a rebel territory in southern Philippines early Tuesday, rebel and military reports said yesterday. Four rebels were killed in the fighting.

In Manila, Lieutenant Colonel Ariel Caculitan said 14 Marines were killed after 80 soldiers clashed with 300 members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Abu Sayyaf on the southern island of Basilan on Tuesday.

He said 10 of those killed were beheaded, while nine Marines were wounded in the clash. The incident occurred when the soldiers were going home after a failed hunt for kidnapped Italian priest Giancarlo Bossi in the rebel-held area.

In Basilan, MILF's information officer Abu Majid said 23 Marines and four MILF fighters were killed in the clash. He added that 10 soldiers were beheaded, but claimed this was done "by unknown groups after the fighting". He did not identify the group.

Both versions indicate it was the single biggest battle in the restive southern Philippines for months. At least 30 rebels, three soldiers and one civilian were killed in clashes on the nearby island of Jolo in April, but that was spread over several days.

"The MILF has ordered an investigation on the beheading of the soldiers because Islam prohibits mutilation or atrocity against a fallen enemy," Majid said. He did not comment on reports that Abu Sayyaf members were in Basilan during the clash.

He blamed the military for the incident. "The Marines did not attempt to coordinate with us. We have all the mechanism of ceasefire that allows no errors for coordination and to prevent this kind of unfortunate incident."

The surprise entry of soldiers in MILF-controlled territory alarmed the rebels and forced them to defend themselves. It was also a violation of the 2003 ceasefire agreement signed by the MILF and the government, said Majid. The MILF snatched 27 firearms from the soldiers.

Eid Kabalu, the MILF spokesman, denied allegations that the group was behind the Bossi kidnapping. But regional marine commander Ramiro Alivio argued that soldiers went to Basilan following intelligence reports that Bossi was seen in the area.

— With inputs from Rafael Juan and Ulyssis Israel, Correspondents