Al-Qaeda-linked militants kill 11 in Philippines

Al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf militants killed 11 people in the southern Philippines on Saturday, officials said, hours after government officials rescued two hostages. The group stormed the town of Maluso on Basilan island before dawn, killing 10 civilians, including a baby girl, and a government militiaman.

Reuters

"Most of the victims were still asleep when they were strafed and then their houses were torched," said regional health chief Kadil Jojo Sinolinding.

Seventeen people were hurt in the attack, including nine critical cases. Four children are among the worst hit.

"There were initial reports that it was in retaliation for local officials stopping the rebel group from recruiting more members in the province," correspondent Girlie Minao reported from Manila.

Earlier, government security forces had rescued  two Chinese men from a nearby town. They had been kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf rebels more than three months ago.