Philippine priest shot dead

The rebels took scores of hostages this year

A Roman Catholic priest has been shot dead in the Philippines by suspected Muslim rebels while on a trip to buy Christmas presents.

Father Benjamin Inocencio was among at least three people killed when he was ambushed by a suspected Abu Sayyaf guerrilla on the southern island of Jolo.

The Abu Sayyaf, who are fighting for an independent Islamic state, took dozens of tourists and Christians hostage earlier this year and are still holding two captives.

Police said Father Inocencio was being driven to a shop to buy gifts for the local bishop's Christmas party when a lone rebel approached his jeep and shot him twice in the head with a pistol.

The gunman also wounded the priest's driver before fleeing. Police officers gave chase and opened fire shooting the rebel dead.

A bystander was also killed after being caught in the exchange of shots and two others were wounded, police said.

Kidnappings

The Abu Sayyaf took dozens of hostages earlier this year and held them in a jungle camp on Jolo island.

The rebels want a separate Islamic state

On Thursday, military officials said rebel spokesman Hector Janjalani, also known as Abu Escobar, had been captured in Manila and was under investigation.

One report said Mr Janjalani, the brother of slain Abu Sayyaf leader Khadaffy Janjalani, had been appointed temporary chief of the rebel group on 20 December.

Most of the Abu Sayyaf's hostages were freed in the summer in exchange for ransoms understood to have run into millions of dollars.

Others were rescued or escaped after the military launched a massive campaign to crush the guerrillas in September.

Threats

American Jeffrey Schilling is still held hostage

Armed forces chief General Angelo Reyes said the offensive would be stepped up following the priest's death.

Church colleagues said Father Inocencio had had military guards in the past after receiving threats from the Abu Sayyaf.

The guards were withdrawn once the campaign against the guerrillas was underway.

In 1997 a Catholic bishop, Benjamin de Jesus, was shot dead outside Jolo's cathedral by suspected rebels.

The cathedral has also been fired at and attacked with grenades in recent years.