Three Philippine marines killed by Muslim rebels

MANILA, July 10 (Reuters) At least three Philippine marines were killed and 13 others wounded in a clash with Abu Sayyaf Muslim rebels on a southern island today, a spokesman said. Another officer said at least 10 other marines were reported missing.

Marine spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Ariel Caculitan told reporters a group of marines patrolling on Basilan island clashed with a large band of rebels in a remote area. According to sketchy reports, three soldiers were killed and 13 wounded, he said.

An undetermined number of rebels were killed or wounded, he said.

It was the worst fighting in the Philippines' restive south since January, when a senior Abu Sayyaf leader was killed.

The marines were checking on reports that Giancarlo Bossi, an Italian priest kidnapped on the mainland last month, may have been taken to Basilan, a bastion of the Abu Sayyaf.

There has been no word on the whereabouts of the priest since he was taken away by armed men after saying Sunday mass at a church on June 10.

The Abu Sayyaf is the smallest but deadliest of several Muslim groups fighting the Philippine government.

REUTERS SBC VV2134