Two marines were fatally shot Saturday by Islamic militants after their motorcycle broke down on a southern Philippine island, a navy spokesman said.
The victims were attacked by al-Qaeda-linked Muslim Abu Sayyaf rebels in Panamao town on Jolo Island, 1,000 kilometres south of Manila, Lieutenant Colonel Edgard Arevalo said.
Arevalo said the marines' motorcycle developed engine trouble, forcing them to stop on an isolated road in the village of Kandayuk. After a few minutes, Abu Sayyaf rebels fired at them, dpa reported.
The marines died on the spot from multiple gunshot wounds.
The Abu Sayyaf is the smallest but most violent Muslim rebel groups in the southern Philippines. It has been blamed for deadly terrorist attacks in the country.