Six government militiamen killed in Philippines

MANILA - Five government militiamen died in a shooting rampage by a comrade who was later killed by pursuing troops in the southern Philippines, the army and police said Monday.

The militiamen were on duty Sunday evening when the suspect ran amok in their outpost in Ipil town in Zamboanga Sibugay province, 810 km south of Manila.

Army Major General Romeo Lustestica said the suspect used his government-issued M14 rifle in the killings.

“Without saying a word, he shot his fellow militiamen at close range, resulting in the deaths of five,” he said. “The suspect then fled after the shooting.”

Chief Superintendent Edwin Corvera, a regional police chief, said the suspect was later killed in a shootout with police officers and troops dispatched to hunt him down.