15 Rebels Found in Grave, Officials Say

Security forces discovered a mass grave containing 15 bodies of rebels from a Muslim separatist group that is holding an American and a Filipino hostage in the southern Philippines, officials said. The bodies of the Abu Sayyaf rebels were found on Mt. Bagsak on southern Jolo island, the officials said. Thousands of soldiers launched an attack on the Abu Sayyaf rebels Sept. 16 to rescue 19 hostages then being held by the guerrillas on Jolo. Seventeen hostages have since escaped or been rescued. The military said more than 200 guerrillas have been killed so far in the assault. Military spokesman Col. Hilario Atendido said soldiers discovered the mass grave Friday while pursuing the rebels on Mt. Bagsak.