Filipino rebels sorry for grenade that hit circus

DAVAO, Philippines (AP) - Communist rebels have apologised for a grenade attack on an army detachment that wounded dozens of villagers in the southern Philippines. The rebels promised to indemnify the victims.

Regional rebel spokesman Rigoberto Sanchez said in a statement on Sunday that New People's Army guerrillas behind the Sept 1 attack in Davao city's Paquibato district made a "gross mistake in judgment" when they targeted army troops near villagers. Sanchez said the rebels who waged the attack are being investigated and face possible "disciplinary action."

Paquibato police chief Romeo Abler says the grenade hurled by the rebels toward an army outpost hit a protective net and bounced toward a nearby crowd of villagers watching a circus performance, wounding 48 people, including children.

Mr Abler says criminal charges will be filed against the rebels.