Authorities in the Philippines said that at least 11 people have been killed in an attack on a village in Mindanao that may have been work of a militant group.

Military officials said on Sunday that at least three of the victims in the Saturday attack were children. The New York Times reported on Sunday that Lt. Steffani Cacho, a spokeswoman for the army, said the attack might have been an act of retaliation by Abu Sayyaf, following the killing and arrest of some members of the group in police and military operations during the past two weeks.

According to authorities, an estimated 70 members of the group fired on several houses in Tubigan, a predominantly Muslim village on the island of Basilan Province. The militant group was formed in Basilan Province, police said.

Officials further said that at least 17 others were seriously wounded and several houses were burned down.

Although Cacho said that the attack could have been meant as retaliation against police and the military and it might have arisen out of a clan feud.

Adding further, police said that among those killed in the attack were two children of a village chieftain. (With input form agencies)