Six civilians died following an attack staged by a group of armed men in the southern Philippine province of Zamboanga del Sur on Thursday afternoon, a military official said.

Randolph Cabangbang, spokesman of the military's Western Mindanao Command, said the 10 suspects, led by Amie Andi, swooped down at the remote village of Tininghalang at around 4:30 p.m. and opened fire at the residents.

"Initial report disclosed that six were killed and undetermined number were wounded, including children," said Cabangbang.

Cabangbang said the attacked residents were relatives of government militiaman, who guided police operatives in a law enforcement operation on Feb. 11 that led into the arrest of Andi' s brother, Samang.