Militants kill three hostages in Philippines

MANILA - Gunmen of the Abu Sayyaf militant group have executed three civilians in the Philippines, the military said Saturday.

The execution came just nine days after the militant group led by Puruji Indama killed three people abducted May 27, Xinhua reported.

The latest victims were abducted Friday in Maluso town of southern Philippines.

Abu Sayyaf, founded in the 1990s, has staged a number of high-profile attacks, including kidnappings and bombings. The Philippine military estimates the group, which has links with international terrorist organisations, has about 400 members.