14 bodies have been recovered in the Philippines, some of them decapitated, after a deadly attack by Marines on a MILF stronghold, searching for a kidnapped Italian priest.

But Mohagher Iqbal, chief negotiator for the Muslim separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which is engaged in peace talks with the government, said his forces fought back after marines attacked a MILF stronghold.

He denied his forces were responsible for the beheadings, saying he would investigate. Four MILF members were killed in the fighting while seven others were wounded, he added.