Zamboanga City, Philippines - A Catholic priest survived an attack by suspected al-Qaeda-linked militants Saturday in the southern Philippines, but four of his security escorts were wounded, a Marine officer said.

The priest, identified as Mon Libot, and his security escorts of Marines and pro-government militiamen were aboard a vehicle when they were attacked by suspected Abu Sayyaf rebels in Sumisip town in Basilan province, 900 kilometres south of Manila.

The officer said the priest was unhurt except for bruises on his body, while the four wounded security escorts were being treated in a nearby hospital.

More troops were dispatched to the area to pursue the attackers.

The Abu Sayyaf is the smallest but most violent Muslim rebel group in the southern Philippines. The group was responsible for deadly terrorist attacks and high-profile kidnapping cases in the country. (dpa)