Philippine separatists deny involvement in southern Philippines ambush

Philippine separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Wednesday denied being involved in an ambush against military troops in Southern Philippines.

MILF spokesman Von Al-Haq said the group has nothing to do with Tuesday's attack against a military convoy in Lanao del Sur that left a soldier dead and five others wounded.

The prime suspect Dimaporo Dimasacal, who is likewise being accused of kidnapping Nuralden Yusoph, is not a member of their organization, he said.

Troops under 51st Infantry Battalion were on their way to rescue Yusoph when they were attacked.

Yusoph was seized by gunmen last month while on his way home from prayer in a nearby mosque. The kidnappers are demanding around 25 million pesos (540,000 U.S. dollars) for Yusoph's release.

Source: Xinhua