Gunmen fire on fishermen in Philippines, kill 15

The Philippine military says gunmen in a restive southern region opened fire on three boats and killed 15 people in what officials say was likely a clash between rival fishermen.

The Philippine military says gunmen in a restive southern region opened fire on three boats and killed 15 people in what officials say was likely a clash between rival fishermen.

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Military spokesman Lt Col Randolph Cagangbang says the attack took place on Monday off Sibago Island in Basilan province.

It is a stronghold of Muslim rebels who have been fighting for minority self-rule in the predominantly Christian nation for decades. However, Cabangbang ruled out the involvement of al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf militants who were blamed for a series of deadly attacks on civilians and troops last year.

He told The Associated Press that the fishermen were probably attacked by a rival group because they strayed into their fishing grounds. Three other fishermen were wounded.