Nine killed by Philippines rebels

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At least nine people have been killed in a militant attack in the southern Philippines, officials say.

An army spokesman said men dressed in military uniforms had detonated a series of bombs in Isabela city before opening fire on people trying to flee.

Lt Gen Ben Dolorfino blamed the attack on Abu Sayyaf Islamist rebels - one of whom was reported to have been killed.

Abu Sayyaf is the smallest and most radical of the Islamic separatist groups in the southern Philippines.

"We have nine dead - one policeman, three Marines, four civilians and one ASG [Abu Sayyaf militant]," said Lt Gen Dolorfino.

"Those killed were shot by the Abu Sayyaf."

Provincial police chief Senior Superintendent Antonio Mendoza said improvised bombs had been placed outside a government building and a Roman Catholic church in the mainly Muslim city on Basilan island.

The attackers then opened fire on civilians in the area and fought a gun battle with security forces for three hours.

Abu Sayyaf has been blamed for bombings, beheadings and kidnappings of Filipinos and foreigners. It has been accused of having links with al-Qaeda.

Its stated goal is an independent Islamic state in Mindanao and the Sulu islands. The government refuses to hold any form of talks with the rebels.

The group has been significantly weakened by an ongoing US-backed offensive and the deaths of key leaders, but it still represents a significant security threat to the country.