Philippine kidnap leader shot dead

Military officials in the southern Philippines say the leader of a notorious gang of kidnappers suspected of abducting an Italian priest, has been shot and killed as he tried to escape from custody.

A military commander said the kidnapper, Akiddin Abdusalem, and one of his men, who were arrested on Wednesday, were taking soldiers by boat to the gang's hiding place.

He said the two suddenly grabbed guns from the escorting troops and started shooting.

The gang leader was killed outright in return fire; his accomplice was shot and fell into the sea.

Akiddin Abdusalem was wanted for a string of kidnappings, bombings and killings in the southern Philippines. The military say local officials now plan to negotiate for the release of the Italian priest, Giuseppe Pierantoni.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service