Two secessionist rebels were killed Sunday in a clash with government troops on a southern Philippine island, a senior military commander said. Marine chief Major General Ben Dolorfino said the fighting erupted at dawn when the rebels attacked a marine outpost in Ungkaya Pukan town in Basilan province, 900 kilometres south of Manila Dolorfino said 14 marines were wounded in the fighting. "One of our V150 commando vehicles was also damaged due to a rocket propelled grenade," he said. "Sporadic fighting is continuing." Civilians in nearby areas have fled their homes for fear of being caught in the crossfire, DPA reported.
