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Three marines were killed Sunday in an ambush by communist rebels in the western Philippines at the start of a unilateral Christmas ceasefire by the government, the military said. The soldiers were unarmed when they were attacked by a group of about 20 guerrillas in San Vicente town in Palawan province, 600 kilometres south-west of Manila, military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Jacinto de Vera.

"The marines were unarmed and on their way to the market to buy supplies for the detachment, and they were also planning to attend Mass," he said. "We condemn this attack."

The ambush occurred hours after a three-week suspension of military operations against communist rebels took effect Sunday. The unilateral truce will be in effect until January 6, 2008.

De Vera said the military was not violating the ceasefire by sending troops to hunt down the guerrillas.

"The rebels started the fight and we have to pursue the culprits," he said. "We have to provide security in the province and ensure that the Christmas holidays will be peaceful."

source: www.earthtimes.org