3 killed in N. Philippine ambush

Three people, including a village official, were killed in an ambush Tuesday night in the northern Philippine province of Masbate, a military spokesman said Wednesday. Maj. Angelo Guzman, spokesman for the Ninth Infantry Division, identified the victims as village chairman Eddie Crisostomo of San Isidro village, village treasurer Noel Rosal and Jolex Rivera. Guzman said the three were aboard a motorcycle when they were waylaid by at least five suspects believed to be members of a private armed group. Guzman said the victims died on the spot. "(The) said armed men fled towards unknown direction (after the incident)," he said adding that soldiers have been dispatched to pursue the perpetrators while the provincial police is conducting further investigation into the incident. The motive for the killing remains unknown.