Trying to rescue two kidnap victims, the Philippine Army clashed this morning with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and at least five people were killed, including three Islamic terrorists: Philippine troops clash with Muslim rebels, 5 dead.

The MILF degenerates have learned a lesson from their big brothers in Iraq and Afghanistan: always claim that the infidels are killing civilians.

MANILA (Reuters) - At least two soldiers and three Islamic rebels were killed on a remote island in the southern Philippines on Monday, when U.S.-trained troops clashed with militants holding two people hostage, an army spokesman said.

Another rebel group in the area said at least 16 civilians were also killed in the gunbattle, but that figure has yet to be verified.

Abdusakur Tan, the governor of Jolo island, said he had ordered an investigation into the alleged killing of civilians. “I was told four or more people were killed, but we’re still trying to get to the bottom of the incident,” Tan told reporters.

Major Eugene Batara said troops were on a mission to rescue two hostages, including the daughter of a wealthy local trader, when they clashed with Abu Sayyaf rebels. “We lost two men but we killed three on their side,” Batara said, adding five soldiers were also wounded in the hour-long gunbattle.