Pirates kill 15 fishermen in southern Philippines

At least 15 fishermen have been killed and three others wounded when they were attacked by pirates off the island province of Basilan in southern Philippines, a military official said here Tuesday. Lt. Col. Randolf Cabangbang, spokesman of Western Mindanao Command, said the victims, who were natives of Zamboanga del Sur, were on board three fishing boats when they were attacked by gunmen about 7 a.m. Monday off Sibago Island. The fishermen who were near the site brought the victims to the hospital in the nearby Pagadian City.