AP News, February 5th, 2008
At least seven civilians, including four children, were killed during a military operation against al-Qaida-linked militants on a southern Philippine island, officials said Tuesday.
The victims' families claimed they were killed before dawn Monday by soldiers searching for Abu Sayyaf militants who had abducted a businesswoman last week, Sulu provincial Gov. Sakur Tan said.
An off-duty soldier was also killed, Tan said.
The military said it will investigate.
Two soldiers and three militants were reported killed in the fighting in Maimbung township on Jolo island, part of Sulu, the military said.
Tan said the off-duty soldier was with the civilians and was allegedly tied up and shot by troops from elite U.S.-trained army and navy counterterrorism units.
The other fatalities included four children aged 4 to 17. Two were among four members of a family who were shot as they fled in the dark on a boat after hearing gunfire, Tan said.
"We condemn in the strongest terms this act of barbarism ... and those responsible should be held to account," he said.
Maj. Gen. Ruben Rafael, commander of an anti-terror task force in Sulu, promised to investigate the killings.
"It was a legitimate encounter. As far as we are concerned, troops clashed with the Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiyah," Rafael told reporters, referring to an Indonesia-based regional terror network.
Tan said he ordered the Philippine flag flown at half staff around the province to mourn the victims. The provincial government also plans to seek an investigation of the incident by the Philippine Congress and the Commission on Human Rights, he said.
The military said the troops were on a mission to rescue businesswoman Rosalie Lao, who was abducted by the Abu Sayyaf on Jan. 28. It was not clear if she was held by the same group of gunmen who clashed with troops in Maimbung.
The Abu Sayyaf has been blamed for bombings, kidnappings and beheadings. It was not possible to contact the group, which has not made any public statements on military encounters or bombings for several years.
U.S.-backed offensives against the group have reduced its strength to about 300 guerrillas from more than 1,000 during its heyday in 2000, according to the military.
The rebels often hide among relatives and other civilians, resulting in casualties.
Troops also have been accused of human rights abuses.
