4 killed in S. Philippines clash

At least four people were killed, including a soldier, as fighting erupted between government troops and Muslim rebels in the southern Philippine province of Maguindanao on Sunday, a military official said.

Troops were patrolling around 9:30 a.m. local time in the village of Malangob, Datu Unsay town when they were attacked by members of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), said Col. Melquiades Feliciano, the 601st Infantry Brigade commander.

Firefight ensued, according to Feliciano, resulting in the death of a soldier and three rebels.

He said soldiers assigned in the nearby town of Shariff Saydona were attacked by another group of BIFF.

Three other soldiers and three BIFF fighters were injured.

"As of now the fighting is still going on," Feliciano said.

The encounter occurred on the last day of suspension of military operations in Maguindanao to give way to schools' graduation ceremonies in Maguindanao.

Abu Misri Mama, BIFF spokesman confirmed the clash but said they have no fatalities except for three wounded men.

Last month, the military launched an all out war against BIFF rebels involved in the Mamasapano incident, forcing more than 120, 000 people to flee from their homes. Endi