Gunmen believed to be robbers shot to death five bed salesmen on a troubled southern Philippine island that is a haven for Islamic militants, authorities said Tuesday.
The men were transporting bed cushions and pillows when at least two armed men opened fire on their van on Basilan island on Monday, military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Randolph Cabangbang said.
Many armed gangs operate on Basilan, including Al Qaeda-linked militants blamed for the country's worst terrorist attacks. Kidnappings and murders plague the island.
But the scale of Monday's assault shocked even local officials, with Basilan deputy governor Al Rasheed Sakalahul expressing outrage.
"This is terrible. Five merchants were killed in this senseless attack. We are doing everything to identify the killers and the police are investigating this case," Sakalahul said.
Regional police chief Bienvenido Latag said the motive for the attack was still being determined, but initial investigations showed it could be robbery.