Philippine Muslim leader killed

A leader of the Philippine Muslim society was killed on Friday morning in Metro Manila, a local TV report said.

The ABS-CBN news channel said that Datu Amerol Ambiong, chairman of the Metro Manila Muslim Peace and Order Council, was shot by a lone gunman near the Islamic Center in the Muslim district of Quiapo. His companion, retired policeman Datu Makakna Lukman, was also killed.

Ambiong and Lukman were shot dead by Murog Kael, 22, on their way to arrest him on hearing that he had scared people by firing gun, the report said.

Aside from the dead, three other children were also injured in the shooting and sent to a hospital nearby for treatment, it added.

According to the TV, Kael was killed by responding policemen when he refused to surrender.

Ambiong was a solid supporter of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo especially for her effort to achieve peace and order in thesouthern islands of Mindanao.

Source: Xinhua